hak1 zi6刻字
Jyutpinghak1 zi6
Yalehāk jih
Definition
To engrave or carve characters onto a surface.
neutraldaily actions
How it's used
Refers specifically to the act of carving or cutting characters into a hard surface like metal, stone, or wood. It is commonly used when personalizing gifts such as jewelry, pens, or commemorative plaques. Unlike general writing, this implies a permanent, physical alteration of the object.
Examples
I want to engrave characters on the ring.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 寫字, which refers to writing with ink or a pen. Using 刻字 for writing on paper will sound like you are physically gouging the page.
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.
