ngaam4 jyut6岩穴
Jyutpingngaam4 jyut6
Yalengàahm yuht
Definition
A cave or grotto formed in rock.
neutralnatureplaces
How it's used
Refers specifically to a natural hollow or cavity formed within rock, distinguishing it from man-made tunnels or general holes. While technically accurate, it is a somewhat formal or literary term that is rarely used in casual daily conversation. Most locals would simply use 窿 or 山窿 to describe any kind of cave or hole in a mountain.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
They found a cave up on the mountain.
It is very dark inside this cave, do not go in.
Related words
Common phrases
deep and dark cave
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 岩, which is the extremely common colloquial word for correct or right. Using 岩穴 in a sentence about something being correct will cause significant confusion.
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.
