san1身
Jyutpingsan1
Yalesān
Definition
A measure word for a quantity of things, often referring to a beating, a coat of paint, or clothes worn on the body.
colloquialbodydescriptions
How it's used
Functions as a measure word specifically for things that cover or affect the entire body, such as sweat, dirt, or a physical experience like being beaten or scolded. It emphasizes the totality of the experience, implying that the subject is completely enveloped or affected by the noun it quantifies.
Examples
He got scolded thoroughly.
Why are you covered in sweat?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the noun meaning body. When used as a measure word, it is almost exclusively paired with negative physical states or intense experiences like being scolded or beaten.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
