hou2 kau4好逑
Jyutpinghou2 kau4
Yalehóu kàuh
Definition
A desirable spouse; desired by many.
writtenpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Originating from the Book of Songs, this term carries a classical and slightly poetic weight that is rarely used in casual, everyday speech. It is almost exclusively reserved for describing someone who is highly sought after as a romantic partner, often implying that the person possesses both beauty and virtue. Using it in a modern context can sound intentionally dramatic or literary.
Examples
She is desired by many, the people chasing her are lining up.
Do you think she is the one desired by everyone?
Related words
Common phrases
a beautiful and virtuous woman desired by many
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common adjective, but it functions more like a noun phrase describing a person. It is not used to describe objects or general desires, only people.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
