koeng5繦
Jyutpingkoeng5
Yalekéuhng
Definition
A string of copper coins, or swaddling clothes.
- a string of copper coins
- swaddling clothes
colloquialfamilydaily actions
How it's used
Primarily used in the context of wrapping or swaddling an infant, this term carries a traditional, slightly formal nuance compared to modern parenting vocabulary. It specifically describes the action of binding a baby tightly in cloth to keep them secure and calm. While historically related to the concept of a string of coins, that usage is now largely obsolete in daily speech.
Examples
Do you know how to swaddle an infant?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the common verb 紮, which is a more general term for tying or binding things together. Use 繦 specifically for the act of swaddling a baby, whereas 紮 is used for tying shoelaces, parcels, or hair.
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.
