jiu1 gwat1腰骨
Jyutpingjiu1 gwat1
Yaleyīu gwāt
Definition
The spine or backbone; also used figuratively to mean strength of character.
- spine; backbone
- figurativebackbone; strength of character; moral integrity
colloquialbodydescriptions
How it's used
Beyond the literal physical spine, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe someone's moral integrity or strength of character. Describing someone as having no腰骨 implies they are spineless, easily swayed, or lack personal principles. It carries a stronger sense of moral failing than simply being indecisive.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
Your posture is bad, it is easy to end up with back pain.
He has no backbone, he always listens to what others say.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 背脊, which refers to the entire back area. 腰骨 specifically targets the spine or the lower back region, making it more precise when discussing physical pain or metaphorical strength.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
