cou2 ji5取耳
Jyutpingcou2 ji5
Yalechóu yíh
Definition
To clean the ears; to remove earwax.
colloquialbodydaily actions
How it's used
Refers specifically to the act of removing earwax, often using a small metal scoop or cotton swab. It is a very common domestic activity in Hong Kong, and people often ask family members to help them with this as a sign of closeness. While it is a standard term, some people might prefer to use the more descriptive phrase 撩耳仔.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 挖耳, which is technically correct but sounds much more clinical or formal. Using 取耳 is the most natural way to describe this daily hygiene habit.
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.
