kyut3闕阙
Jyutpingkyut3
Yalekyut
Definition
To lack, be missing, or be lost; also refers to a palace watchtower.
- literaryto lack, be missing, or be lost
- archaica watchtower on either side of a palace gate; a palace
writtenother
How it's used
This character is almost exclusively found in formal, literary, or academic contexts rather than everyday spoken Cantonese. It is rarely used as a standalone verb in modern speech, appearing mostly as part of set idioms or compound nouns. Learners will encounter it primarily in written texts or formal discussions about errors and missing information.
Examples
This report still has many omissions.
They are finding ways to make up for the deficiencies.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 缺, which is the common, everyday character for 'to lack' or 'missing'. Using 闕 in casual conversation will sound extremely unnatural or overly archaic.
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.
