haai5 hau6邂逅
Jyutpinghaai5 hau6
Yaleháaih hauh
Definition
To meet by chance, especially as a pleasant encounter between strangers or with an unfamiliar object.
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How it's used
This word carries a romantic or serendipitous undertone, often implying a pleasant or fated encounter. It is far more literary than the common spoken phrase 撞到, which is used for any random, mundane meeting on the street.
Examples
We met by chance at the library.
How did you meet him by chance?
Related words
Common phrases
a romantic encounter
Common mistake
Avoid using this for bumping into someone you already know, as it strictly describes meeting a stranger for the first time.
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.
