caai1搋
Jyutpingcaai1
Yalechāai
Definition
To knead, or to clear a drain with a plunger.
- to knead dough or clay
- to clear a drain with a plunger or pump
- to carry something under one's coat or armpit
colloquialdaily actionshome
How it's used
Primarily associated with the physical action of using a plunger to clear a blocked drain, this term is also used for tucking items into one's clothing to conceal them. It carries a tactile sense of pressing or pushing something into a confined space. When referring to kneading dough, it is less common than 搓 but still understood in specific contexts.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 搓, which is the standard verb for kneading dough or rubbing hands together. 搋 is much more specific to the forceful, rhythmic motion of plunging or the act of concealing something against the body.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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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.
