ci3刺
Jyutpingci3
Yalechi
Definition
To pierce or stab with a sharp object.
colloquialdaily actionsbody
How it's used
While 刺 is used in formal or written contexts to mean stab, everyday spoken Cantonese almost exclusively uses 插 for physical stabbing or poking. Using 刺 in casual conversation can sound overly dramatic or literary, as if you are describing a scene from a period drama. It is more commonly encountered in compound words like 刺激 or 刺眼.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use 刺 in daily speech where 插 is the natural choice. Remember that 刺 implies a sharp, piercing action often associated with needles or thorns, whereas 插 is the general verb for inserting or stabbing with objects like pens, fingers, or knives.
Grammar color guide
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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.
