laai2舐
Jyutpinglaai2
Yaleláai
Definition
To lick; to pass the tongue over.
colloquialdaily actionsbody
How it's used
Refers specifically to the physical action of using the tongue to touch or clean a surface. While it is a standard verb, it can sound slightly crude or childish depending on the context, so speakers sometimes prefer to describe the action more indirectly if it involves food.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this word in formal or professional settings, as it can sound overly visceral or even suggestive. Use it primarily for animals or when describing the literal act of eating something like a lollipop or ice cream.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).



