gai1 mou4 sou2雞毛掃鸡毛扫
Jyutpinggai1 mou4 sou2
Yalegāi mòuh sóu
Definition
Feather duster made with chicken feathers on a wooden stick, used for dusting or as a household implement for physical punishment.
colloquialhomedaily actions
How it's used
Traditionally associated with strict parenting, this object is frequently invoked in threats of corporal punishment. While modern homes often use synthetic microfiber dusters, the term remains the standard way to refer to any long-handled duster. It carries a nostalgic or slightly old-fashioned connotation compared to modern cleaning tools.
Measure word
zi1支jīExamples
There is a feather duster at home, it is very convenient for dusting.
Related words
Common phrases
to grab a feather duster
to dust with a feather duster
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with a literal broom, which is called 掃把. Using it as a verb is incorrect, as it is strictly a noun.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
