gwo3 heoi3過去过去
Jyutpinggwo3 heoi3
Yalegwo heui
Definition
To go over; to move from one place to another.
colloquialdaily actionstransport
How it's used
This verb functions as a directional complement indicating movement from the speaker's current position to another location. It is frequently paired with verbs of motion like 行, 跑, or 飛 to specify the manner of travel. Unlike the Mandarin equivalent, it is strictly used for physical movement and does not carry the abstract meaning of passing time or events.
Examples
He just walked over there to find someone.
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe the passage of time, as in the Mandarin sense of time having passed. In Cantonese, use 過去 for physical movement only, and rely on other structures or context to discuss past events.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
