lak6簕
Jyutpinglak6
Yalelahk
Definition
Thorn, prickle, or bramble.
colloquialnature
How it's used
Refers specifically to the sharp, woody spikes found on plants like roses or bougainvillea. It is rarely used in a metaphorical sense, unlike the English word thorn which can describe abstract problems. When describing a prick from a thorn, the verb 拮 is the most natural choice to pair with it.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
This rose bush has a lot of thorns, be careful.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 刺, which is more commonly used in written Chinese or to describe a generic sharp point or splinter. In spoken Cantonese, 簕 is the preferred term for plant thorns.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
