gik1 zoeng2擊掌击掌
Jyutpinggik1 zoeng2
Yalegīk jéung
Definition
To high-five; to slap palms together as a gesture of celebration.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
Although 擊掌 is the direct translation for high-five, it sounds slightly formal or descriptive in casual Cantonese. People often just use the English loanword high-five directly in conversation, or describe the action using phrases like 拍手掌 or 拍手.
Examples
We won the game, let's high-five to celebrate!
Related words
Common phrases
high-five to celebrate
Common mistake
Avoid using 拍手 to mean high-five, as 拍手 primarily means to clap hands for applause. If you want to be understood clearly in a casual setting, using the English term high-five is often more natural than the formal 擊掌.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
