waat3 gwat6挖掘
Jyutpingwaat3 gwat6
Yalewaat gwaht
Definition
To excavate, dig up, or unearth; also to explore and uncover hidden value or potential.
- to dig; to excavate; to unearth
- figurativeto explore and uncover hidden value, talent, or patterns
writtendaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
While 挖掘 is understood in Cantonese, it is primarily a formal or written term. In daily spoken Cantonese, people almost exclusively use 掘 to describe the physical act of digging. 挖掘 is reserved for abstract contexts like uncovering hidden talent, potential, or deeper meanings.
Examples
He is digging a hole in the backyard.
Related words
Common phrases
to tap into potential
to uncover the truth
Common mistake
Using 挖掘 in casual conversation can sound overly stiff or academic. Stick to 掘 for physical actions like digging a hole or digging up soil to avoid sounding unnatural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
