bei3鐾
Jyutpingbei3
Yalebei
Definition
To sharpen a knife, razor, or other blade using a leather strop or similar tool.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
Refers specifically to the action of honing or sharpening a blade against a whetstone or similar abrasive surface. It is a highly specialized verb that is rarely used in casual conversation today, as most people would simply use the more general term 磨.
Examples
Do you know how to sharpen the scissors?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 磨, which is the standard, everyday word for grinding or sharpening. Using 鐾 might sound overly formal or even archaic to native speakers in a modern kitchen context.
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.
