haap3掐
Jyutpinghaap3
Yalehaap
Definition
To pinch, nip, clutch, or pick with fingers; also used as a quantifier meaning a pinch of.
- to pinch, nip, or clutch with fingers
- to pick flowers or leaves
- a pinch of; a small handful of
colloquialdaily actionsbody
How it's used
Primarily used for the physical act of using the thumb and fingers to nip or pluck something. It carries a sense of precision and force, often implying a sharp or sudden movement. When used as a quantifier, it refers to a small amount that can be held between the fingertips, similar to a pinch of salt.
Examples
Why are you pinching my arm?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 搣, which generally means to peel or tear off something using the fingers. 掐 specifically involves the action of nipping or clutching with a pinching motion rather than pulling or stripping.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
