ham4含
Jyutpingham4
Yalehàhm
Definition
To keep in the mouth; to contain or include.
- to keep something in the mouth
- to contain; to include
colloquialdaily actionsbody
How it's used
Focuses on the physical act of holding something inside the mouth without chewing or swallowing it. It is frequently used with the aspect marker 住 to describe a continuous state of having an object, like a candy or a thermometer, held in the mouth. Beyond the literal meaning, it is also used in formal contexts to mean to contain or include, such as in a contract or a list.
Examples
It is hard to hear clearly when he speaks with a candy in his mouth.
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Avoid using this word to describe the act of eating or chewing, as it specifically implies keeping the item stationary in the mouth. In some contexts, it can be misinterpreted due to its phonetic similarity to vulgar slang, so be mindful of the surrounding words when using it in casual conversation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
