coi2 zaak6採摘采摘
Jyutpingcoi2 zaak6
Yalechói jaahk
Definition
To pick, pluck, or harvest plants or parts of plants by hand.
neutralfooddaily actions
How it's used
While this term is technically correct for harvesting, it sounds quite formal or literary in everyday Hong Kong speech. People usually prefer using the simpler verb 摘 when talking about picking fruit or flowers in casual settings. Using 採摘 often implies a more deliberate or professional act of harvesting rather than just grabbing a snack off a tree.
Examples
He picked a lot of strawberries at the farm.
Can you help me pick some fresh tea leaves?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use this word in casual contexts where it sounds overly stiff, like saying you are going to pick an apple from a tree in a park. Stick to 摘 for everyday actions to sound more natural.
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.
