hoi1 hiu3開竅开窍
Jyutpinghoi1 hiu3
Yalehōi hiu
Definition
To begin to understand; to have things suddenly become clear.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
Describes the sudden moment of clarity when a concept or situation finally clicks into place. It is often used to describe someone who was previously struggling with a skill or failing to grasp a social situation but has now suddenly gained insight. The term carries a sense of relief or enlightenment after a period of confusion.
Examples
He practiced for a long time and finally got the hang of it.
Related words
Common phrases
finally understand
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe the literal act of opening a box or a door, as it is strictly metaphorical and reserved for mental or intellectual breakthroughs.
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.
