jat6掖
Jyutpingjat6
Yaleyaht
Definition
To support or grip someone by the upper arm or shoulder.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
Focuses on the physical act of holding someone by the arm or shoulder to provide support or guidance. It is often used when helping the elderly or someone who is unsteady on their feet. Unlike general holding, it implies a specific posture where the hand is hooked around the upper arm.
Examples
He is very tired, you should support him by the arm while walking.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 搦 which refers to grasping or clutching objects in general. Using 掖 for inanimate objects sounds unnatural as it specifically describes human physical support.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
