ji5 waat3耳挖
Jyutpingji5 waat3
Yaleyíh waat
Definition
An earpick; a thin utensil with a tiny spoon on one end used for clearing earwax.
colloquialbodydaily actions
How it's used
While plastic earpicks are common in modern households, traditional ones made of bamboo or metal are still widely used. It is often associated with the grooming practice of ear cleaning, which is considered a relaxing and intimate activity in many local families.
Measure word
zi1枝jīExamples
I used the earpick for a long time but couldn't get it out.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 挖耳仔, which is the action of picking one's ears. Remember that 耳挖 is the physical tool, while 挖耳仔 is the verb phrase.
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.
