mo1摩
Jyutpingmo1
Yalemō
Definition
To touch, stroke, or rub with the hand.
colloquialdaily actionsshopping
How it's used
Focuses on the tactile sensation of rubbing or feeling something with the fingers, often to check quality or texture. It implies a lingering or repeated motion rather than a quick, singular tap. It is frequently used when someone is browsing in a shop and handling merchandise.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin loanword 摸 which is sometimes used in writing, as 摩 is the preferred character for the tactile sense in Cantonese. It is not used for the abstract meaning of 'to grope' or 'to feel around for' in the same way as Mandarin, where it might carry more negative connotations.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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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.
