fat6伐
Jyutpingfat6
Yalefaht
Definition
To cut down with a sharp tool; also used to mean sending armed forces to suppress or attack.
- to cut down with a sharp tool
- literaryto send armed forces to suppress or attack
writtennaturedaily actions
How it's used
This character is primarily used in formal or literary contexts when referring to the act of felling trees or military campaigns. In everyday spoken Cantonese, people almost always use 斬 instead of 伐 for cutting down trees. Using 伐 in casual conversation will sound overly formal or archaic.
Examples
They decided to cut down that big tree.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 罰, which means to punish, due to their similar visual appearance. Ensure you distinguish between the radical for person and the radical for knife.
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.
