paan1 zit3攀折
Jyutpingpaan1 zit3
Yalepāan jit
Definition
To pull down and break off branches or flowers.
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How it's used
This term is formal and literary, often appearing in signage or written warnings to discourage vandalism of plants. In everyday spoken Cantonese, people would much more naturally use phrases like 搣爛 or 拆斷 depending on the specific action. Using it in casual conversation can sound overly dramatic or like you are quoting a formal notice.
Examples
Please do not pull down and break the flowers in the park.
Common phrases
breaking off flowers and trees
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common verb for breaking things, but it is specifically tied to the act of pulling down branches or flowers from a height or a plant. It is not used for breaking objects like plates or pens.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
