jau2黝
Jyutpingjau2
Yaleyáu
Definition
Black or dark in color.
writtenbodydescriptions
How it's used
This character is almost exclusively used in the compound 黝黑 to describe a dark or tanned complexion. It is a literary term that feels more descriptive and formal than simply saying 黑. You will rarely see it used on its own in spoken Cantonese, as it functions primarily as a morpheme within this specific adjective.
Examples
Why did you get so dark from the sun?
Related words
Common phrases
dark or tanned (skin)
Common mistake
Do not use this word to describe objects like clothes or ink, as it is specifically reserved for describing skin tones or complexions. Using it for inanimate objects sounds unnatural and confusing to native speakers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
