lak6扐
Jyutpinglak6
Yalelahk
Definition
To hold, grab, or carry in the hand.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
Commonly used in spoken Cantonese to mean taking or grabbing something, often replacing the more formal 拿. It functions as a versatile verb for physical acquisition or removal. While widely understood, it is strictly colloquial and should be avoided in formal writing or professional settings.
Examples
Hurry up and take your pen out to write.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 攞, which is the standard and far more common way to say take or get in Cantonese. Using 扐 can sound slightly regional or specific to certain older generations, so 攞 is almost always the safer and more natural choice.
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.
