bei6 sau2匕首

Jyutpingbei6 sau2

Yalebeih sáu

名詞Uncommon

Definition

Dagger; a short, double-edged pointed knife used primarily for stabbing and slicing.

neutralother

How it's used

匕首 is a formal or literary term for a small, sharp blade. In everyday spoken Cantonese, people almost always use the more general term 刀 or specifically describe it as a 細刀 when referring to a dagger or small knife. Using 匕首 in casual conversation can sound overly dramatic or like you are describing a weapon from a period drama.

Measure word

baa2把bá

Examples

keoi5佢喺hai2背bui3脊zek3收sau1埋maai4咗zo2把baa2匕bei3首。

He hid a dagger behind his back.

nei5你zou6做me1咩lo2攞baa2把bei3匕sau2首ceot1出lai4嚟aa4呀？

Why are you taking out that dagger?

Related words

Common phrases

zong6藏bei3匕sau2首

to conceal a dagger

Common mistake

Learners often use 匕首 as a direct translation for any small knife, but it specifically implies a weapon rather than a kitchen or utility tool. If you are talking about a pocket knife or a fruit knife, use 摺刀 or 水果刀 instead.