dou3 ci3倒刺
Jyutpingdou3 ci3
Yaledou chi
Definition
Hangnail; a small, loose, sometimes painful strip of skin at the side of a fingernail.
colloquialbodyhealth
How it's used
Refers specifically to the small, jagged piece of skin that tears away from the cuticle or side of the nail. People often feel a strong urge to pull them off, but doing so frequently leads to painful inflammation or minor infections. It is common to describe the act of getting one as 生, similar to how one might say 生暗瘡 for a pimple.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
I have a hangnail on my finger, it hurts so much.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with a thorn or splinter, which is usually called 刺. While 倒刺 is a specific type of skin condition, 刺 is a general term for any sharp, pointed object that pierces the skin.
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.
