liu1 ji5撩耳
Jyutpingliu1 ji5
Yalelīu yíh
Definition
To clean or pick one's ears, typically using an earpick or cotton swab.
colloquialbodydaily actions
How it's used
Refers specifically to the act of cleaning or scratching the inside of the ear canal, often using a small metal tool or a cotton swab. It carries a sense of relief or satisfaction, as it is usually done to alleviate an itch or remove wax. Unlike standard cleaning, it is a very personal, habitual action often performed while relaxing at home.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 撩人, which means to flirt with or provoke someone. The character 撩 is a versatile verb for poking or picking at things, so context is essential to distinguish between physical cleaning and social interaction.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
