doek3椓
Jyutpingdoek3
Yaledeuk
Definition
To beat or strike; also refers to castrating a person or a eunuch in ancient times.
- literaryto beat; to strike; to hit
- archaicto castrate; a eunuch
datedpeopleother
How it's used
This character is extremely rare in modern spoken Cantonese and is almost exclusively encountered in historical texts or period dramas. While it can refer to the act of beating or striking, it is essentially never used in daily life for that meaning, as common verbs like 打 are used instead. The sense of a eunuch is also highly specialized and archaic.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for more common characters with similar components, but it is not part of the active vocabulary of any native speaker. Using it in casual conversation will likely cause confusion rather than being understood.
Grammar color guide
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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.
