ngaau5咬
Jyutpingngaau5
Yalengáauh
Definition
To bite with the teeth; to clamp, grip, or bind together using tools.
- to bite with the mouth or teeth
- to clamp, grip, or bind together using tools
colloquialbodydaily actions
How it's used
Beyond the literal act of using teeth, this verb is frequently used to describe things that are tight or stuck, such as a screw that is jammed or a key that does not turn smoothly in a lock. It also carries a metaphorical sense of being cheated or suffering a loss, often heard in the phrase 咬咗一筆.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 嗌, which means to shout or call out. While they may sound similar to some learners, 咬 specifically involves the mouth or teeth, whereas 嗌 is strictly about vocalizing.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
