wu1 gau3污垢

Jyutpingwu1 gau3

Yalewū gau

名詞

Definition

Dirt, filth, or grime accumulated from dirty substances.

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How it's used

Refers specifically to stubborn, accumulated grime or residue rather than just loose dust or surface dirt. It often implies a need for scrubbing or deep cleaning rather than a quick wipe. While it is a noun, it is frequently paired with verbs like 積 or 清除 to describe the process of buildup or removal.

Examples

go3個juk6浴gong1缸bin1邊zik1積maai4埋hou2好do1多wu1污gau3垢。

There is a lot of grime built up around the edge of the bathtub.

nei5你sai2洗gon1乾zeng6淨di1啲wu1污gau3垢mei6未aa4呀？

Have you washed away the dirt yet?

Common phrases

zik1積zeoi6聚wu1污gau3垢

accumulate grime

cing1清ceoi4除wu1污gau3垢

remove dirt

Common mistake

Avoid using this for general dirt on clothes or skin, where 污糟 is the preferred adjective. 污垢 is reserved for more permanent or thick layers of filth found on surfaces like tiles, pipes, or machinery.