hiu3竅窍
Jyutpinghiu3
Yalehiu
Definition
An opening in the human body, such as the mouth, nose, or ears; a trick, knack, or key to a problem.
- an opening on the human body, such as the mouth, nose, or ears
- a trick, knack, or key to a problem
neutralbodydescriptions
How it's used
While referring to physical body openings, this word is most frequently encountered in the idiom 七竅生煙 to describe extreme anger. Outside of this idiom, it is almost exclusively used in the compound 竅門 to mean a clever method or secret technique for doing something efficiently. It carries a slightly formal or literary weight compared to everyday words like 孔 or 窿.
Examples
He is so furious that steam is coming out of his seven orifices.
Is there a trick to solving this problem?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this word to describe generic holes in objects like walls or paper, as it is reserved for biological orifices or abstract concepts like secrets and methods.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
