laang5 can3冷嚫
Jyutpinglaang5 can3
Yaleláahng chan
Definition
To catch a cold.
colloquialhealth
How it's used
This term specifically refers to the act of catching a cold due to exposure to cold air or wind. It carries a sense of suddenness or negligence, often implying that the person did not dress warmly enough for the weather. It is a very common way to describe getting sick from temperature changes in daily speech.
Examples
You are wearing so little, it is very easy to catch a cold.
He caught a cold last night, so he did not go to work today.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the general term for being sick, which is 病. 冷嚫 is specifically tied to the cold weather or drafts, whereas 病 can be used for any illness including flu or stomach issues.
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.
