haa5下
Jyutpinghaa5
Yaleháh
Definition
A classifier used for the number of occurrences of a short or sudden action.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
This word functions as a measure word for brief, singular actions, often implying a quick or light touch. It is frequently paired with verbs like 睇, 試, or 敲 to soften the tone of a request or describe a momentary event. When used after a verb, it often acts as an aspect marker to indicate a trial or a single instance of an action.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the directional word 下 meaning below or next. When used as a measure word for frequency, it specifically denotes a short, singular action rather than a position or sequence.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
