paau3 daan2炮彈炮弹
Jyutpingpaau3 daan2
Yalepaau dáan
Definition
Artillery shell or cannonball.
neutralother
How it's used
Refers specifically to the projectile fired from a heavy firearm or artillery piece, distinguishing it from smaller bullets or cartridges. While technically precise in military contexts, it is frequently used metaphorically in news or casual conversation to describe something that causes sudden, massive disruption or a shocking revelation.
Measure word
mui4枚mùihExamples
This artillery shell doesn't look like it has exploded yet.
They discovered many artillery shells on the battlefield.
Related words
Common phrases
unexploded ordnance
to fire an artillery shell
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 子彈, which refers to standard ammunition for small arms like pistols or rifles. Using 炮彈 to describe a small bullet sounds absurdly hyperbolic.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
