on3按
Jyutpingon3
Yaleon
Definition
To press; to push down with fingers or hands.
colloquialdaily actionstechnology
How it's used
Although 按 is the standard written character, 撳 is the near-universal choice in spoken Cantonese for physical pressing actions. Using 按 in casual conversation can sound overly formal or even like a Mandarin loanword. Reserve 撳 for everyday interactions like using an elevator, a doorbell, or a smartphone screen.
Related words
Common phrases
to press a button
to use a smartphone
Common mistake
Learners often use 按 in spoken sentences because they see it in textbooks, but native speakers will almost always use 撳 instead. Stick to 撳 to sound natural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
