gwing1扃
Jyutpinggwing1
Yalegwīng
Definition
To shut or bolt a door, or a door latch.
- literaryto shut or bolt a door
- literarya door latch
datedhomedaily actions
How it's used
Although historically a literary term for a door latch or the act of bolting a door, this character is rarely used in modern spoken Cantonese. Most speakers prefer the more common verb 閂 to describe closing a door. Using this character in casual conversation may sound overly formal or even archaic to native speakers.
Examples
Remember to bolt the door properly when you go out.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common verb, but it is largely absent from daily speech. Using it in place of 閂 might lead to confusion or sound like you are reading from a classical text.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
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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.
