ou3扷
Jyutpingou3
Yaleou
Definition
To measure; to estimate capacity.
colloquialdaily actionsother
How it's used
Refers specifically to the physical capacity or volume of a container to hold something. It is almost exclusively used in spoken Cantonese to describe how much a vessel can accommodate, rather than abstract measurements. You will frequently hear it used in questions regarding whether a container is large enough for a specific amount of contents.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with standard measurement verbs like 量, which are used for measuring length or weight. This word is strictly about the internal volume or capacity of a container.
Grammar color guide
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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.
