pau4抔
Jyutpingpau4
Yalepàuh
Definition
To take or scoop up with both hands, especially loose material like sand or soil.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
This verb specifically describes the action of cupping both hands together to hold something, usually granular or liquid. It implies a sense of volume that fits within the hollow created by joined palms. While it can be used for water, it is most commonly associated with dry materials like sand, grain, or soil.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 攞, which is a general term for taking or holding something. Remember that 抔 requires the specific shape of two hands cupped together, whereas 攞 can be done with one hand or even just fingers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
