lim5斂敛
Jyutpinglim5
Yalelíhm
Definition
To gather or collect; to restrain or control oneself.
- to gather; to collect; to amass
- to restrain; to control; to hold back
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
In spoken Cantonese, this character is almost exclusively used in the compound 斂埋, which carries a nuance of gathering things together or hoarding them in a pile. It is rarely used as a standalone verb in casual conversation, as other verbs like 執 or 收 are preferred for general collecting. The sense of restraint or self-control mentioned in formal dictionaries is largely absent from daily colloquial speech.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 歛, which is a common variant character used for the same meaning in some contexts, though 斂 is the standard form. Be careful not to use it in formal contexts where a more precise verb like 收集 or 聚集 is required.
Grammar color guide
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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.
