leoi5膂

Jyutpingleoi5

Yaleléuih

Definition

Backbone; spine.

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How it's used

Refers specifically to physical strength or stamina rather than the literal anatomical backbone. It is often used in the compound 膂力 to describe the exertion of power or the capacity for hard labor.

Examples

keoi5佢zou6做je5嘢hou2好jau5有。

He has a lot of strength when he works.

bun1搬ni1呢di1啲cung5重je5嘢zan1真hai6係hou2好saai1嘥。

Moving these heavy things really wastes a lot of physical strength.

Common phrases

gwo3過jan4人

having extraordinary physical strength

Common mistake

Do not use this word to refer to the literal spine or vertebrae, as that is called 脊骨. It is a somewhat formal or literary term that is rarely used in casual daily speech compared to common words like 力氣.