tau4 haau2投考
Jyutpingtau4 haau2
Yaletàuh háau
Definition
To register for and take an entrance examination in order to qualify for a position or admission.
neutralworkschool
How it's used
This term is specifically reserved for formal competitive entry processes, such as joining the civil service, police force, or gaining admission to prestigious schools. It carries a sense of active effort and ambition, distinguishing it from a simple application like 申請. You will rarely hear it used for casual or minor tests.
Examples
He is applying for the police force this year.
Which university are you planning to apply to?
Related words
Common phrases
to apply for the police force
to apply for a civil service position
Common mistake
Do not use this for general applications like applying for a job or a visa, where 申請 is the standard term. It implies a formal examination or selection process is involved.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
