but6撥拨

Jyutpingbut6

Yalebuht

動詞Common

Definition

To move something aside with one's hand or fingers, or to dial a telephone.

to move something from one place to another with one's hand or fingers
datedto dial a telephone

colloquialdaily actionscommunication

How it's used

Beyond the physical action of pushing things aside with fingers, this word is deeply tied to the history of rotary phones. While most people now use 按 or 打 to describe using smartphones, older generations still frequently use 撥 to refer to the act of calling someone. It implies a sweeping or sliding motion, making it perfect for describing clearing a desk or moving hair out of one's eyes.

Examples

nei5你bong1幫ngo5我zoeng1將di1啲tau4頭faat3髮but6撥maai4埋jat1一bin1邊laa1啦。

Please help me move my hair to one side.

nei5你but6撥go3個din6電waa2話bei2畀keoi4佢man6問haa5下laa1啦。

Why don't you dial him and ask?

Common phrases

but6撥hoi1開

to push aside

but6撥din6電waa2話

to dial a phone number

Common mistake

Do not use this for moving heavy objects or pushing things forward with force, as those require different verbs like 推 or 搬. It specifically describes a light, often lateral, motion using the fingers or palm.