zaau6驟骤
Jyutpingzaau6
Yalejaauh
Definition
Sudden or abrupt.
writtendescriptionsweather
How it's used
Functions primarily as a prefix in compound words to indicate an action or event happening unexpectedly. It is rarely used as a standalone verb in modern spoken Cantonese, appearing mostly in formal or literary-influenced vocabulary. When describing sudden events in casual conversation, speakers almost always prefer 突然 or 突然間.
Examples
The sudden rain earlier was very heavy.
Why did you suddenly stop talking?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often attempt to use it as a standalone adverb, but it is almost exclusively bound to other characters. Avoid using it in place of 突然 in everyday speech to prevent sounding overly dramatic or archaic.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
