han4 zik1痕跡痕迹
Jyutpinghan4 zik1
Yalehàhn jīk
Definition
Mark, trace, or vestige; a record left behind by something that happened.
neutralother
How it's used
Refers specifically to physical evidence or residual signs left behind by an event or person. While it can be used in abstract contexts like memory or emotion, it is most frequently encountered in investigative or descriptive settings where one is looking for proof of past activity.
Measure word
dou6道douhExamples
He wiped the table clean, not wanting to leave any trace.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe a physical scar on the body, which is better expressed as 疤痕. Using 痕跡 for a scar sounds unnatural and overly clinical.
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.
