tau3 hei3透氣透气

Jyutpingtau3 hei3

Yaletau hei

Definition

To flow freely (of air); to breathe (of fabric etc); to divulge

colloquialclothingdescriptions

How it's used

Focuses specifically on the ability of materials to allow air circulation, making it the go to term for sportswear, footwear, and summer fabrics. It carries a positive connotation of comfort and relief from heat or stuffiness. While it can be used metaphorically to mean taking a break or catching one's breath, its primary and most common use remains describing physical objects.

Examples

le1 deoi3 bo1 haai4 hou2 tau3 hei3 haa6 tin1 zoek3 dou1 m4 wui2 guk6

呢對波鞋好透氣，夏天著都唔會焗。

These sneakers are very breathable, so they won't feel stuffy even in summer.

nei5 maai5 le1 gin2 saam1 hai6 mai6 hou2 tau3 hei3 gaa4

你買呢件衫係咪好透氣㗎？

Is the shirt you bought very breathable?

Common phrases

hou2 tau3 hei3

好透氣

very breathable

tau3 hei3 mat6 liu2

透氣物料

breathable material

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with the verb phrase 抖氣, which means to take a breath or rest. Using 透氣 to describe a person resting would sound like you are calling them a piece of fabric.