laap6垃
Jyutpinglaap6
Yalelaahp
Definition
Garbage, refuse, or waste; commonly used in the compound word for trash.
colloquialdaily actionsother
How it's used
The character 垃 is almost exclusively used as part of the compound 垃圾. While the individual character exists, it is never used in isolation to mean trash in modern spoken Cantonese. Always use the full two-character term to ensure clarity and naturalness.
Measure word
deoi1堆dēuiExamples
Remember to take away the trash.
Why is there so much trash here?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners sometimes mistakenly try to use 垃 as a standalone noun or verb, but it is strictly a bound morpheme. Always pair it with 圾 to convey the meaning of garbage.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
