joeng5 gun1仰觀仰观
Jyutpingjoeng5 gun1
Yaleyéuhng gūn
Definition
To look up and observe; to look upwards.
writtendaily actions
How it's used
This term is formal and literary, often appearing in written descriptions or poetic contexts rather than casual conversation. In everyday life, people prefer using the phrase 抬頭睇 to describe the physical action of looking upwards. Using this word in a casual setting can make you sound overly dramatic or like you are reciting a classical text.
Examples
He is standing there looking up at the starry sky.
Related words
Common phrases
to look up at the starry sky
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common verb, but it is rarely used in spoken Cantonese. Using it to describe looking at a simple object like a clock or a sign will sound unnatural and pretentious.
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.
