kut3 hou6括號括号
Definition
Bracket or parenthesis, used in punctuation to insert notes or in mathematics to indicate order of operations.
- bracket; parenthesis, used to insert explanations or notes in text
- technicalmathematical bracket, indicating priority of calculation (e.g., ( ), [ ], { })
How it's used
Beyond its literal use in punctuation and mathematics, people often use the term metaphorically to describe side comments or supplementary information that is not essential to the main point. When speaking, it is common to use the English word bracket instead of the Cantonese term, especially in academic or professional settings. If you are reading text aloud, you might say 括號 to signal the start and 反括號 to signal the end, though this is mostly reserved for formal dictation.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse the names of the different types of brackets, specifically mixing up 中括號 for square brackets and 大括號 for curly braces. Remember that in Cantonese, the size hierarchy is strictly defined by the shape of the symbol.
Grammar color guide
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.
