ngaai4涯
Jyutpingngaai4
Yalengàaih
Definition
Margin, limit, or boundary.
writtendescriptions
How it's used
Literary in nature, this character is rarely used in isolation in modern spoken Cantonese. It primarily appears in set idioms or formal expressions describing distance or boundaries. When referring to physical edges or margins in daily life, speakers will almost always prefer 邊 or 邊緣 instead.
Examples
They went to the ends of the earth but still could not find it.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 捱, which sounds similar but means to endure or suffer through hardship. Using 涯 when you mean to endure will cause significant confusion.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
