caan2剷
Jyutpingcaan2
Yalecháan
Definition
To shovel; to scrape or shave hair with clippers.
- to shovel or scoop up
- to shave or trim hair with clippers
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
Beyond the literal sense of shoveling dirt or snow, this verb is frequently used in a metaphorical sense to mean firing someone from a job or scolding them severely. When used for haircuts, it specifically refers to using clippers to create a very short or faded look, often paired with the word 青 to describe the scalp showing through.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 鏟, which is the noun form meaning a shovel or spade. While they share the same character in many contexts, the verb usage is distinct in its action-oriented focus.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
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.
