mat6襪袜
Jyutpingmat6
Yalemaht
Definition
Socks; fabric footwear worn to protect the feet and absorb sweat.
colloquialclothing
How it's used
Cantonese speakers almost always refer to socks in pairs using 對, even when talking about a single sock in a general sense. While 隻 is technically correct for a single piece, using it often implies you have lost the other one or are specifically highlighting one individual sock. It is common to drop the classifier entirely in casual speech if the context is clear.
Measure word
deoi3對deuiExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 襪 with 鞋, but remember that 襪 refers specifically to the fabric garment worn inside the shoe. Also, do not use the Mandarin term 襪子, as the suffix 子 is not used in this way in Cantonese.
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.
