感激
gam2 gik1
To appreciate in Cantonese is expressed as 感激 (gam2 gik1).
感激 is a verb used to express being grateful for something. It is typically reserved for situations involving deep, heartfelt gratitude or profound emotion, making it more common in formal writing than in casual spoken conversation between friends.
Meaning: to be grateful for something (verb)
Which one should you use?
While 感激 is used for deep and heartfelt appreciation, the phrase 唔該 (m4 goi1) is used for casual, everyday thanks, such as when saying 'please' or 'thank you' in routine interactions.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the verb 感激, it is typically used with the preposition 對 (deoi3) to indicate the object of your gratitude.
How do you pronounce it?
gam2 gik1
Did you know?
- If you are appreciating the value of an object, such as a house or a stock, you would never use 感激, but would instead use 增值 (zang1 zik6) to describe the appreciation in value.
- While 感激 expresses deep gratitude, if you want to say you appreciate someone's talent or a piece of art, you would use 欣賞 (san1 soeng2) instead.
- In a casual setting, using 感激 to thank a waiter for bringing water might actually sound sarcastic or overly dramatic due to its heavy emotional weight.
Examples in context
- 我好感激你落力幫我手。I appreciate your efforts to help me.This sentence shows how to use 感激 to express appreciation for someone's efforts.Tatoeba #13106504 by Gearhulk, translation #1933582 by CK
- 多謝晒你嘅禮物。Thanks a lot for your gift.
- 我非常感激你嘅幫助。I am very grateful for your help.
- 我好感激你嘅支持。ngo5 hou2 gam2 gik1 nei5 ge3 zi1 caap3.I really appreciate your support.
Example conversation
Chi Keung thanks Ka Yan for lending him a book.
- 志強 Chi Keung多謝你借本書畀我，我好感激。do1 ze6 nei5 ze3 bun2 syu1 bei2 ngo5, ngo5 hou2 gam2 gik1.Thank you for lending me the book, I really appreciate it.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan唔使客氣，好簡單啫。m4 sai2 haak1 hei3, hou2 gaan2 daan1 ze1.You're welcome, it was very simple.
- 志強 Chi Keung呢本書對我好有用。ni1 bun2 syu1 deoi3 ngo5 hou2 jau5 jung6.This book is very useful to me.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan咁就好喇，慢慢睇。gam2 zau6 hou2 laa3, maan6 maan6 tai2.That's great then, take your time reading it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
