ngau4 dou1牛刀
Jyutpingngau4 dou1
Yalengàuh dōu
Definition
A large butcher's knife, or metaphorically, a great talent or power.
- a large butcher's knife used for slaughtering cattle
- figurativegreat talent or ability
neutralfoodhome
How it's used
Refers specifically to a heavy, thick-bladed knife used for chopping meat or bone. While the idiom 牛刀小試 is common in formal writing to describe using great talent for a small task, the literal term is reserved for the kitchen tool itself. It is distinct from a standard kitchen knife, which is usually called a 菜刀.
Measure word
baa2把báExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the metaphorical usage in idioms. Remember that in a kitchen setting, it refers to the physical object, not a display of skill.
Grammar color guide
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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.
