fo2 / fo3堁
Jyutpingfo2 / fo3
Yalefó / fo
Definition
Dust; fine powder; dry earth.
colloquialhomedescriptions
How it's used
Refers specifically to fine, powdery dust or dirt that settles on surfaces. It is distinct from general dirt or grime, as it implies a thin layer of particles that can be easily wiped away. While often used in formal writing or specific dialects, it is understood in spoken Cantonese as a descriptive term for dusty conditions.
Examples
His shoes are covered in dust.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 塵, which is the more common, general term for dust. Using 堁 can sound slightly more specific or literary depending on the speaker's regional background.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
