kim4 zai2鉗仔钳仔
Jyutpingkim4 zai2
Yalekìhm jái
Definition
Small pliers, tweezers, forceps, or pincers.
colloquialhomedaily actions
How it's used
The suffix 仔 adds a sense of smallness or endearment, which is standard for handheld tools in Cantonese. While it can refer to professional tools like needle nose pliers, it is frequently used for household items like tweezers or small pincers. Using the base form 鉗 without the suffix often sounds like you are referring to a much larger, industrial-sized tool.
Measure word
baa2把báExamples
These tweezers are very convenient for plucking eyebrows.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using 鉗仔 for heavy-duty construction tools, as the suffix implies a smaller, more delicate, or domestic scale. For large industrial pliers, simply use 鉗.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
