daan6 gung1彈弓弹弓
Jyutpingdaan6 gung1
Yaledaahn gūng
Definition
Slingshot or a mechanical spring.
- slingshot; Y-shaped weapon used for shooting
- mechanical spring; metal coil used to absorb shock or store energy
colloquialdaily actionsother
How it's used
Distinguishing between the two meanings relies entirely on context. When referring to the Y-shaped toy, it is often interchangeable with 丫叉, whereas the mechanical component is almost exclusively called 彈弓. In a mechanical context, it is frequently used to describe the internal tension or elasticity of objects.
Measure word
zi1支jīExamples
I really liked playing with a slingshot when I was a kid.
The spring in the bed seems broken, it's very uncomfortable to sleep on.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse 彈弓 with the verb 彈, which means to flick or bounce. Beginners sometimes mistakenly use 彈弓 as a verb to describe the action of flicking something, but it is strictly a noun.
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.
