kang3掯
Jyutpingkang3
Yalekang
Definition
Strong in taste or smell, particularly of alcohol or tobacco; tough or difficult to handle.
- strong, harsh, or pungent, especially of alcohol or tobacco
- tough, difficult, or complicated to do
colloquialfooddescriptions
How it's used
Primarily used to describe the harsh, burning sensation of high-proof spirits or the heavy, pungent impact of strong tobacco. While it can metaphorically describe a difficult or thorny task, this usage is less common than the sensory description of alcohol or smoke. It carries a sense of intensity that can be overwhelming to the senses.
Examples
This drink is really strong, my throat feels hot after finishing it.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 勁, which is a general term for powerful or impressive. 掯 specifically refers to the physical, often unpleasant, intensity of taste or smell.
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.
