baa1 zoeng2巴掌
Jyutpingbaa1 zoeng2
Yalebā jéung
Definition
The palm of a hand.
colloquialbodydescriptions
How it's used
Refers specifically to the palm of the hand when used as a unit of measurement or when describing the act of slapping. While 手掌 is the anatomical term for the palm, 巴掌 is frequently used in idiomatic expressions regarding size or physical impact.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He slapped me, it really hurts.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 手掌, which is the neutral, anatomical term for the palm. 巴掌 carries a more visceral connotation, especially when referring to the sound or force of a slap.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
