sau1颼飕
Jyutpingsau1
Yalesāu
Definition
To blow (used of wind); to make a whistling, soughing, or rustling sound.
colloquialweatherdescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on the sharp, whistling sound or the sensation of a cold draft passing through a narrow space. It is often reduplicated as 颼颼 to emphasize the persistent, chilly nature of the wind. Unlike generic words for wind, it carries a sensory quality that implies the wind is cutting or piercing.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 嗖, which is an onomatopoeia for something moving very quickly, like an arrow or a bullet. While both share a similar sound, 颼 specifically relates to the movement and sound of air or wind.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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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.
