daam2黵
Jyutpingdaam2
Yaledáam
Definition
Black color, or to tattoo.
colloquialbodydescriptions
How it's used
Primarily used in spoken Cantonese to describe skin being stained or marked by something dark, such as ink, dirt, or soot. While it can technically refer to tattoos, it is more frequently used to describe accidental smudging or staining that is difficult to wash off. It carries a sense of something being deeply ingrained or messy rather than a clean, deliberate mark.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 染, which is used for dyeing fabrics or hair. Using 黵 for hair dye sounds unnatural and implies the hair is dirty or stained rather than colored.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
