gwai2晷
Jyutpinggwai2
Yalegwái
Definition
Sundial, or time.
- literarysundial
- literarytime
datedtime
How it's used
Refers to time in a very specific, slightly old-fashioned or literary way that is rarely used in modern daily speech. Most speakers prefer using 時間 or 鐘數 instead. It is mostly encountered in idioms or formal writing rather than casual conversation.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to use this in everyday settings where it sounds overly dramatic or archaic, which can confuse native speakers who might not immediately associate it with standard timekeeping.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
