naap6衲
Jyutpingnaap6
Yalenaahp
Definition
To patch up or sew; also refers to a cassock or a Buddhist monk.
- to sew; to patch up
- a cassock or patched robe
- a Buddhist monk
writtenclothingother
How it's used
Refers specifically to the traditional patched robes worn by Buddhist monks, emphasizing the ascetic practice of mending old cloth. While it can function as a verb for sewing or patching, it is rarely used in modern daily speech for general mending, where 補 is far more common. It carries a formal or religious connotation that makes it sound out of place in casual conversation about household chores.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 補, which is the standard, everyday word for repairing or patching anything. Using 衲 in a casual context, such as fixing a pair of jeans, will sound overly literary or archaic.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
