kwan2 ou3壼奧壸奥
Jyutpingkwan2 ou3
Yalekwán ou
Definition
A deep, profound, or mysterious place; a secret or mystery behind something.
writtendescriptionsother
How it's used
This term is quite formal and literary, often appearing in written reports or serious discussions rather than casual conversation. It implies a hidden complexity or a secret logic that is not immediately apparent to an outsider. Using it in daily speech can make you sound overly academic or slightly archaic.
Examples
There is really a lot of mystery behind this matter.
Do you know what the mysteries behind this plan are?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 奧秘, which refers to a profound mystery or secret of nature. 壼奧 specifically suggests a hidden mechanism or an underlying reason for a situation that requires investigation to uncover.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
