baak6匐
Jyutpingbaak6
Yalebaahk
Definition
To crawl, creep, or lie prostrate on the ground.
writtendaily actions
How it's used
While the character 匐 is used in formal or literary contexts like 匍匐, it is almost never used in spoken Cantonese to describe the action of lying face down. Instead, the character 趴 is the standard colloquial choice for this meaning. Using 匐 in daily speech would sound extremely unnatural or like a mispronunciation of a formal term.
Related words
Common phrases
to crawl forward
Common mistake
Learners often encounter 匐 in written texts or formal idioms but should avoid using it in conversation. Stick to 趴 for all everyday situations involving lying face down or leaning over a desk.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
