tin1 mong1 gwong1天曚光
Jyutpingtin1 mong1 gwong1
Yaletīn mōng gwōng
Definition
Dawn; first light of day.
colloquialtime
How it's used
Describes the very early stage of morning when the sky is just beginning to brighten. It carries a sense of being exceptionally early, often implying that the person is starting their day before most others. It is a vivid, descriptive term that feels more natural in spoken Cantonese than formal alternatives.
Examples
He leaves for work at the crack of dawn.
Related words
Common phrases
to wake up at the crack of dawn
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the general word for morning, 朝早, as this specifically refers to the transition from darkness to light. It is not used to describe the entire morning period.
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.
