seoi2 waan6水患
Jyutpingseoi2 waan6
Yaleséui waahn
Definition
Flood, inundation, or any water-related disaster.
neutralweathernature
How it's used
Refers specifically to large scale flooding or inundation caused by natural disasters rather than minor water leakage or plumbing issues. It carries a formal and serious tone, often appearing in news reports or official government warnings about weather conditions. When discussing everyday water damage in a home, speakers prefer using terms like 水浸.
Measure word
coeng4場chèunghExamples
Last year's flooding left many people homeless.
The terrain here is so low, it's very prone to flooding.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe a simple puddle or a bathroom overflow, as it sounds overly dramatic and academic for minor household incidents.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
