gaai3 dou1鎅刀
Jyutpinggaai3 dou1
Yalegaai dōu
Definition
Utility knife, box cutter, or paper cutter with replaceable blades.
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How it's used
The term specifically refers to a retractable utility knife with snap-off blades. People often use the verb 鎅 to describe the action of cutting with this tool, which is distinct from using scissors or a kitchen knife. It is a standard household item for opening packages or crafting.
Measure word
baa2把báExamples
Can you pass me the box-cutter? I want to open this box.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 鉸剪, which refers to scissors. While both are used for cutting, 鎅刀 is specifically for sliding or slicing through materials like cardboard.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
