mou5拇
Jyutpingmou5
Yalemóuh
Definition
Thumb, or a traditional Chinese drinking finger-guessing game.
- thumb
- a traditional Chinese drinking finger-guessing game
colloquialbodydaily actions
How it's used
While 拇 is the formal character for thumb, it is almost exclusively used in the compound 拇指 in daily speech. The drinking game mentioned is a variation of the classic finger guessing game where players shout out numbers while extending their thumbs. Using 拇 alone to refer to a thumb sounds overly clinical or literary, so always stick to 拇指 for clarity.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
Let's go to the bar tonight and play the thumb game.
Related words
Common phrases
thumb
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 拇 with 母, which means mother. They share a similar shape, but they are completely unrelated in meaning and pronunciation.
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.
