kuk1 zit3曲折
Jyutpingkuk1 zit3
Yalekūk jit
Definition
Winding and tortuous, or complex and complicated.
- winding; bending; tortuous
- complicated; complex; full of twists and turns
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
Beyond describing physical paths or roads, this word is frequently used to describe abstract situations or life experiences that are full of twists and turns. It carries a sense of difficulty or lack of directness, implying that the process was not straightforward. When describing a person's life story, it suggests a narrative filled with unexpected obstacles.
Examples
This mountain path is so winding, my legs are tired from walking.
Their relationship journey was very complicated, and in the end, they still broke up.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 彎曲, which strictly refers to physical curves or bends. While 彎曲 is purely descriptive of shape, 曲折 is more versatile and can describe both physical terrain and metaphorical situations.
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.
