jik6腋
Jyutpingjik6
Yaleyihk
Definition
Armpit or axilla.
neutralbody
How it's used
While 腋 is the formal character used in writing and medical contexts, it is rarely used in daily spoken Cantonese. Most people prefer the colloquial term 胳肋底 when referring to the armpit in casual conversation. Using 腋 in speech can sound overly clinical or like a direct translation from written Chinese.
Examples
He raised his arm, revealing the sweat stains under his armpit.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to use 腋 as a standalone noun in speech, but it sounds unnatural. Always use 胳肋底 for everyday communication to avoid sounding like a textbook.
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.
