tau3 fo2透火
Jyutpingtau3 fo2
Yaletau fó
Definition
To start a fire, or to make a fire burn more brightly.
colloquialdaily actionsfood
How it's used
Primarily used in the context of charcoal grilling or traditional stoves, this term emphasizes the process of getting a fire started or encouraging it to burn more intensely. It implies active effort, such as fanning the flames or arranging fuel to ensure proper airflow. You will hear it most often during outdoor barbecue activities.
Examples
You help build the fire, I will bring the charcoal over.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general verbs for starting a fire like 生火, as 透火 specifically carries the nuance of stoking or reviving a fire that is struggling or needs to be built up.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
