gaan2鐧锏
Jyutpinggaan2
Yalegáan
Definition
An ancient Chinese weapon similar to a bar mace, with a sword-like shape but no sharp edge and a cross-shaped cross section.
neutralother
How it's used
Refers specifically to a rigid, non-bladed metal weapon used for bludgeoning rather than cutting. It is rarely encountered outside of historical dramas, martial arts novels, or descriptions of traditional weaponry. The term is most frequently heard in the metaphorical idiom 撒手鐧, which describes one's ultimate trump card or secret skill.
Measure word
zi1支jīExamples
Related words
Common phrases
trump card
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 劍, which is a double-edged sword designed for cutting and thrusting. Because 鐧 is a blunt force weapon, it lacks a sharp edge and is physically distinct from bladed weapons.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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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.
