m4 gau3唔夠唔够
Jyutpingm4 gau3
Yalem̀h gau
Definition
Not enough; insufficient.
colloquialdescriptionsdaily actions
How it's used
Use this to express a deficit in quantity, time, or capacity. It is extremely versatile and can be used for anything from money to physical space or even personal patience. When asking a question, it is common to use the A-not-A structure by repeating the verb as 夠唔夠.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to mean 'not good enough' in terms of quality or performance, as that requires 唔好 or 唔合格 instead. It strictly refers to insufficiency in amount or degree.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
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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.
