jyu5 gam2語感语感
Jyutpingjyu5 gam2
Yaleyúh gám
Definition
Sprachgefühl; an intuitive feel or grasp of a language's natural idiom.
neutralschoolcommunication
How it's used
Refers to the subconscious ability to distinguish between natural and unnatural phrasing in a language. It is often used to explain why a learner might know all the grammar rules but still produce sentences that sound awkward to a native speaker. Developing this is frequently associated with high levels of immersion rather than rote memorization.
Examples
He has been learning for a long time and has finally developed a good feel for the language.
Do you feel like this sentence doesn't sound quite right?
Related words
Common phrases
to cultivate a feel for a language
to have a good intuitive grasp of a language
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general intelligence or vocabulary size. It specifically describes an intuitive, almost instinctual sense of rhythm and collocation that comes from extensive exposure.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
