biu1錶表
Jyutpingbiu1
Yalebīu
Definition
Watch; a small timepiece usually worn on the wrist.
colloquialdaily actionsother
How it's used
Refers specifically to a wristwatch, whereas clocks that sit on a wall or desk are called 鐘. It is common to drop the 手 prefix when talking about a watch you are currently wearing or referring to in a casual context. The classifier 隻 is essential for this noun, reflecting its status as a small, portable object.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use 個 as the classifier, as 隻 is the standard measure word for watches in Cantonese. Using 個 will sound unnatural to native speakers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
