seoi2 gwan2水滾水滚
Jyutpingseoi2 gwan2
Yaleséui gwán
Definition
Boiling water; water heated to boiling point and emitting steam.
colloquialfooddaily actions
How it's used
This phrase is frequently used as a signal in the kitchen to indicate that it is time to add ingredients or proceed with cooking. It functions as an intransitive verb phrase rather than a noun phrase, describing the state of the water itself. In social contexts, it is often used metaphorically to describe someone who is extremely impatient or angry.
Examples
The water is boiling, hurry up and get the cup out.
Related words
Common phrases
boiling water makes good tea
add noodles once the water boils
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a noun phrase meaning boiling water, but it is strictly a verb phrase describing the action of the water reaching its boiling point. Use 滾水 if you need to refer to the water itself as a noun.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
