bou3 doi6 hei3布袋戲布袋戏

Jyutpingbou3 doi6 hei3
Yalebou doih hei

Definition

Glove puppetry; a type of puppet show using hollow wooden heads with cloth bodies controlled by the performer's hand.

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How it's used

Refers specifically to the traditional glove puppetry style originating from Fujian, where the performer controls the puppet by inserting their hand into the hollow body. It is often associated with temple festivals or traditional cultural events rather than modern commercial theatre. While it remains a niche art form, it is highly respected for the intricate skill required to manipulate the puppets and perform different character voices simultaneously.

Measure word

ceot1chēut

Examples

When I was little, I loved watching puppet shows the most.
Do you know where there is a puppet show performance to watch?

Common phrases

to watch a puppet show

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with general puppetry like marionettes or shadow plays. Ensure you distinguish it from 扯線木偶, which uses strings, or 皮影戲, which uses shadows behind a screen.

Grammar color guide

Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector