估
gu2
To guess in Cantonese is expressed by 估 (gu2).
The term 估 is used to reach an unconfirmed conclusion. For general guessing, 估 is the standard choice, but if you are specifically estimating numbers, costs or time, you should use 估計.
Meaning: to reach an unconfirmed conclusion (verb)
Which one should you use?
While 估 is a general term, 估計 is a more formal phrase used to express an estimation or an educated guess. In formal contexts, you might also see 猜度 and 推斷, the latter of which implies a more intellectual or reasoned guess.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the verb 估 sound more natural and less blunt, you can add the aspect marker 吓 to form 估吓, which is similar to saying 'take a guess'. To describe guessing aimlessly or without a real basis, use the reduplicated form 估估吓. The negative form 估唔到 is frequently used to express that something was unexpected or 'unimaginable'.
How do you pronounce it?
gu2
Did you know?
- While 估 is used for guessing, Cantonese has a distinct cultural habit of 'guessing' the meaning of a person's silence, which is often interpreted as a 'no' or a sign of disagreement without saying a word.
- In some contexts, 估 can be used to imply that someone is 'calculating' or 'scheming', moving the meaning from a simple guess to a strategic estimation of another person's weakness.
- The word 估 is a core part of the Cantonese term for a 'rough estimate' or 'ballpark figure' used in business, specifically when discussing prices before a formal quote is given.
Examples in context
- 估估吓㗎咋。That's just a guess.Tatoeba #5761198 by nickyeow, translation #5707247 by CK
- 你估吓我有幾高？Guess how tall I am.Tatoeba #5734827 by nickyeow, translation #5626269 by mailohilohi
- 估吓呢張係咩咭？Guess what card this is.Tatoeba #5953679 by nickyeow, translation #5937740 by mailohilohi
- 我估計你有七成機會贏I guess you have a 70% chance of winning.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is talking about a friend's weight.
- 志強 Chi Keung你估佢有幾重？nei5 gu2 keoi5 jau5 gei2 zung6?How much do you guess she weighs?
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung我估佢大概五十公斤。ngo5 gu2 keoi5 dao6 faai3 ng5 sap6 kung1 zeon1.I guess she is about fifty kilograms.
- 志強 Chi Keung你估得唔準呀。nei5 gu2 dak1 m4 zeon2 aa3.Your guess is not accurate.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung唔好啦，我唔知呀。m4 hou2 laa1, ngo5 m4 zi1 aa3.Don't be like that, I don't know.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
