bou1 zam1煲針煲针
Jyutpingbou1 zam1
Yalebōu jām
Definition
To disinfect medical needles by boiling them in water.
colloquialhealthdaily actions
How it's used
Refers specifically to the traditional method of sterilizing medical equipment by boiling it in water. While modern healthcare relies on disposable, pre-sterilized needles, this term remains in the vocabulary of older generations who recall the era of glass syringes and reusable metal needles.
Examples
Remember to boil the needles to disinfect them.
Related words
Common phrases
boil needles for disinfection
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the slang term 煲電話粥, which means to talk on the phone for a very long time. Using 煲針 in a casual conversation about communication will cause confusion.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
