jat1 lap1 je5一粒嘢
Jyutpingjat1 lap1 je5
Yaleyāt lāp yéh
Definition
An extremely small, granular, or round object, such as a speck of dust, a grain of rice, a mole, or a raindrop.
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How it's used
Refers to any small, roundish object when the speaker either does not know the specific name or wants to emphasize its insignificance. It functions as a vague placeholder, similar to saying "a little something" or "a speck" in English. It is frequently used to describe skin blemishes, tiny debris, or small food items like a single grain of rice or a pea.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this for large objects or abstract concepts, as it specifically implies a diminutive, physical size. It sounds unnatural if applied to something that is clearly not small or round.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
