saan1 hung4山洪
Jyutpingsaan1 hung4
Yalesāan hùhng
Definition
Torrential flood originating from mountain streams.
neutralnatureweather
How it's used
Refers specifically to sudden, violent surges of water in mountainous terrain, often occurring without warning after heavy rainfall. It carries a sense of danger and unpredictability, making it a common term in weather warnings and safety advice for hikers. Unlike general flooding, it emphasizes the rapid, downhill movement of water through narrow valleys or streams.
Examples
It is very easy for torrential floods to be triggered after heavy rain.
If you see a flash flood while hiking, you must leave immediately.
Related words
Common phrases
flash flood
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general flooding, but it specifically implies a mountain source and rapid, destructive force. It is not used for urban street flooding, which is usually described as 水浸.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
