lau5 pou5摟抱搂抱
Jyutpinglau5 pou5
Yaleláuh póuh
Definition
To embrace, hug, or hold someone in one's arms.
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How it's used
While 摟抱 is understood in Cantonese, it is significantly more formal and literary than the everyday term 攬. You will rarely hear native speakers use 摟抱 in casual conversation, as it sounds like something from a written novel or a formal script. Use 攬 for almost all physical situations involving hugging or holding someone.
Examples
He really likes holding the cat in his arms.
Related words
Common phrases
huddled together
Common mistake
Learners often use 摟抱 because it appears in dictionaries, but using it in daily life can make you sound like you are reading from a book. Stick to 攬 to sound natural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
