sam1 dou6深度
Jyutpingsam1 dou6
Yalesām douh
Definition
Depth; the measurement of how deep something is.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
Refers strictly to physical measurements of distance from the surface to the bottom. Unlike in English where depth can be used metaphorically for intellectual or emotional complexity, Cantonese speakers typically use 深淺 to describe the abstract degree of something, or simply use the adjective 深 directly.
Examples
Is the depth of this swimming pool enough?
The engineer measured the depth of this trench.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this word to describe the complexity of a topic or a person's character, as it sounds overly technical and unnatural in those contexts.
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.
