hek3 fu2吃苦
Jyutpinghek3 fu2
Yalehek fú
Definition
To endure hardships; to suffer from a difficult situation over a period of time.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
While the written form is 吃苦, Cantonese speakers almost exclusively use the character 食 to represent the verb 'to eat' or 'to endure' in this context. It carries a strong connotation of physical or mental endurance over a long period, rather than just a temporary bad experience. It is frequently used by older generations to describe the work ethic of the younger generation.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use the Mandarin-style 吃 instead of the Cantonese-specific 食. Always use 食 when speaking, as 吃 is reserved for formal writing or specific loanwords.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
