gwaa1瓜
Jyutpinggwaa1
Yalegwā
Definition
Melon, gourd, or squash.
colloquialfood
How it's used
Beyond its literal meaning as a fruit or vegetable, 瓜 is frequently used in slang to describe someone dying, as in 瓜咗. It is also a common component in compound words for various gourds and melons, such as 南瓜 or 冬瓜. When used as a verb in slang, it carries a blunt or slightly irreverent tone regarding death.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse the noun 瓜 with the slang verb 瓜咗, which means to pass away or break down, as the context changes the meaning significantly.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
