gwai1 gaa1歸家归家
Jyutpinggwai1 gaa1
Yalegwāi gā
Definition
To return home.
writtenhomedaily actions
How it's used
While 歸家 carries the same meaning as 返屋企, it sounds significantly more literary or formal. You will rarely hear it in casual daily conversation, as it is more commonly found in written text, song lyrics, or formal announcements. Using it in a standard chat with friends can make you sound like you are reciting a poem or being overly dramatic.
Examples
What time are you heading home?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a standard daily verb, but using it in casual speech can sound unnatural or archaic. Stick to 返屋企 for everyday situations.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
