man4 san1紋身纹身
Jyutpingman4 san1
Yalemàhn sān
Definition
Tattoo; designs or words created by injecting ink into the skin with needles.
colloquialbodydescriptions
How it's used
Refers specifically to the permanent ink design on the skin. While often associated with counterculture, it is increasingly common as a form of personal expression among younger generations in Hong Kong. The verb form is usually expressed as 紋, as in 紋咗個圖案.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He has a very large tattoo on his arm.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid confusing the noun 紋身 with the verb 紋. Remember that 紋身 is the object itself, while 紋 is the action of getting tattooed.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
