faat3 kau4發球发球
Jyutpingfaat3 kau4
Yalefaat kàuh
Definition
To serve a ball or shuttlecock in sports like volleyball, badminton, tennis, and table tennis.
neutralsports
How it's used
Specifically describes the act of putting the ball or shuttlecock into play in sports like tennis, badminton, or volleyball. It functions as a verb, but can also be used as a noun to refer to the serve itself. Unlike in English where serve is used across almost all ball sports, this term is restricted to sports where the player initiates play with a specific stroke.
Examples
It is your turn to serve, hit it over with more force.
Your serve was beautiful, the opponent could not return it at all.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this for sports like basketball or football, where the equivalent action is usually described as throwing or kicking the ball in, such as 開波.
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.
