naau4撓挠
Jyutpingnaau4
Yalenàauh
Definition
To scratch an itch, to yield, or to obstruct.
- to scratch an itch
- to yield; to flinch; to bend
- to obstruct; to hinder; to cause trouble
colloquialbodydaily actions
How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of scratching an itch, this character is essential for describing the physical act of crossing one's arms, known as 撓手. It carries a specific nuance of posture that implies either a defensive stance or a relaxed, observant state. When used in the context of scratching, it specifically refers to using fingernails to relieve an itch, rather than rubbing or patting.
Examples
Is your back itchy? Do you want me to scratch it for you?
He crossed his arms and watched the movie, looking like he had plenty of time.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 抓, which is more common in Mandarin. In Cantonese, 撓 is the standard term for scratching an itch, while 抓 is rarely used in daily speech for this purpose.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
