ngaang6 gwak6 gwak6硬掘掘
Jyutpingngaang6 gwak6 gwak6
Yalengaahng gwahk gwahk
Definition
Very hard, stiff, or rigid.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Reduplication with the suffix 掘掘 adds a sense of emphasis, specifically highlighting an unpleasant or extreme degree of hardness. It is typically used for physical objects that have lost their intended softness or texture, such as stale food or a stiff mattress. The tone is descriptive and often implies a complaint about the state of the object.
Examples
This piece of bread has been sitting out for a long time and is rock hard.
Why is the pillow so hard?
Related words
Common phrases
a very hard pillow
Common mistake
Avoid using this for abstract concepts like a hard task or a difficult person, as it is strictly reserved for physical texture. For those metaphorical meanings, use 硬 instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
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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.
