hin1搴
Jyutpinghin1
Yalehīn
Definition
To seize; to pull up or lift a hem of clothing.
- to seize; to capture
- to lift; to pull up the hem of one's clothes
colloquialclothingdaily actions
How it's used
Used primarily to describe the physical action of lifting or hitching up a piece of clothing, such as a skirt or the hem of a robe, to avoid getting it dirty or to move more freely. It implies a deliberate, functional movement rather than just exposing skin. While it can be used in formal literary contexts, it remains a standard verb in spoken Cantonese for these specific movements.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 撩, which implies poking or picking at something, or 揭, which is used for lifting a lid or a cover. 搴 is specifically reserved for fabric or clothing held up by hand.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
