cim1櫼
Jyutpingcim1
Yalechīm
Definition
A wedge or wood block used to tighten joints; a toothpick.
- a wedge or wood block used to tighten joints or fill gaps
- a toothpick
dateddaily actionsother
How it's used
Although the character 櫼 is technically correct for a toothpick, it is rarely seen in daily life and is considered quite literary or old-fashioned. Most Hong Kongers will almost exclusively use the term 牙籤 in casual conversation. Using 櫼 might confuse younger speakers or sound like you are reading from a classical text.
Measure word
zi1支jīExamples
Remember to use a toothpick to pick your teeth after eating.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this word in a restaurant or casual setting, as it will sound unnatural and overly formal. Stick to 牙籤 to ensure you are understood immediately.
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.
