daa1打
Jyutpingdaa1
Yaledā
Definition
To hit, strike, knock, beat, or shoot.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
This verb acts as a highly versatile 'do-it-all' verb in Cantonese, similar to how 'get' or 'take' functions in English. It is frequently used in compound phrases to describe actions that involve physical contact or the use of tools, such as 打波 for playing ball games or 打字 for typing. Because of this broad utility, it often replaces more specific verbs in casual speech.
Examples
I just made a phone call to him.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake it for a literal 'hit' in every context, but it is frequently used for abstract actions like making phone calls or playing sports. Do not assume it always implies violence or physical impact.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
