ceoi2取
Jyutpingceoi2
Yalechéui
Definition
To take, get, obtain, or gain.
writtendaily actions
How it's used
Cantonese speakers almost exclusively use 攞 in everyday speech instead of 取. The latter is reserved for formal writing, compound words like 取消 or 取代, and specific literary contexts. Using 取 in casual conversation sounds unnatural and overly formal, similar to using 'obtain' instead of 'get' in a friendly chat.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use 取 in daily life because they see it in textbooks or formal documents. Always stick to 攞 for physical actions like picking something up or retrieving an item.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
