gwan2 gwaa1 laan6 suk6滾瓜爛熟滚瓜烂熟
Jyutpinggwan2 gwaa1 laan6 suk6
Yalegwán gwā laahn suhk
Definition
Extremely fluent, thoroughly memorized, or very familiar with something.
colloquialdescriptionsschool
How it's used
Describes a state of mastery achieved through repetitive practice or intense study. It is almost exclusively used in the context of memorizing text, music, or scripts rather than general familiarity with a person or a place. The imagery evokes something so ripe that it falls off the vine, implying a level of ease and fluency that requires no conscious effort.
Examples
I have practiced this song until I know it by heart.
Have you memorized the content until you know it perfectly?
Related words
Common phrases
memorize until perfect
practice until perfect
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe knowing a person well, as it specifically refers to the internalizing of information or skills. It is not interchangeable with 熟悉 when talking about social relationships.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adverb
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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.
