lau6鏤镂
Jyutpinglau6
Yalelauh
Definition
To engrave or keep in mind; also can mean a hole, hard steel, or a diamond.
- to engrave, carve, or keep in mind
- archaichard steel or diamond
- archaica hole
writtendaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
While 鏤 is historically used for engraving, it is rarely used in modern spoken Cantonese for physical crafts. It is almost exclusively encountered in the set phrase 鏤骨銘心, which describes something deeply etched into one's memory. Using it as a general verb for carving or engraving will sound overly literary or archaic to native speakers.
Examples
The name was engraved on this ring.
Remember to keep this matter in your heart.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 漏, which sounds similar but means to leak or to omit. Learners often mistake the two in writing due to the shared phonetic component.
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.
