gaau3 bin1教鞭
Jyutpinggaau3 bin1
Yalegaau bīn
Definition
A teacher's pointer or whip, or figuratively, the teaching profession.
- dateda teacher's pointer or whip used to direct or discipline students
- figurativethe teaching profession; teaching
colloquialschool
How it's used
Historically, this refers to a physical stick or rod used by teachers to point at maps or chalkboards, but it also carries a metaphorical weight of discipline. While modern classrooms rarely use physical pointers, the term remains a recognizable symbol of traditional authority in education. It is rarely used in a literal sense today unless describing a historical setting or a specific type of classroom tool.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
Mr. Chan is holding the pointer and pointing at the blackboard.
Do you know who took away my pointer?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with a literal whip used for animals, as the term specifically implies an educational context. Using it to describe a tool for physical punishment is considered outdated and potentially aggressive in modern school settings.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
