hoi1 gu2開古开古
Jyutpinghoi1 gu2
Yalehōi gú
Definition
To reveal the answer to a riddle or puzzle.
colloquialdaily actionscommunication
How it's used
Originating from the practice of guessing riddles, this term is specifically reserved for the moment when a secret or a withheld answer is finally disclosed. It carries a playful tone and is most frequently used in social settings when someone is teasing others by withholding information. It is not used for serious or formal revelations like breaking news or legal disclosures.
Examples
Guess what this is, don't reveal the answer so quickly.
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not use this for revealing general secrets or personal information, as it is strictly tied to the context of riddles, games, or guessing scenarios.
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.
