bai3 soeng5閉上闭上
Jyutpingbai3 soeng5
Yalebai séuhng
Definition
To close or shut an opening, separating the inside from the outside.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
Native speakers almost exclusively use 閂埋 or 合埋 instead of 閉上 in daily speech. 閂埋 is the go-to for physical objects like doors, windows, or shops, while 合埋 is preferred for body parts like eyes or mouths. Using 閉上 sounds overly formal or literary, often appearing in written news or dramatic storytelling rather than casual conversation.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using 閉上 for everyday actions, as it sounds like you are reading from a book or script. Stick to 閂埋 for things that latch or lock, and 合埋 for things that fold or shut together.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
