pei4 mou4皮毛
Jyutpingpei4 mou4
Yalepèih mòuh
Definition
Skin and hair, or metaphorically, superficial and shallow knowledge.
- skin and fur; skin and hair
- figurativesuperficial or shallow knowledge
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Refers to the surface level of a subject, often used when someone wants to sound humble about their own expertise. It implies that the speaker has only scratched the surface and lacks deep, professional insight. It is frequently paired with 略懂 to emphasize that the knowledge is minimal.
Examples
I only have a superficial understanding of computers.
You have been studying for so long, why do you still only know the basics?
Related words
Common phrases
to have a smattering of knowledge
just the tip of the iceberg
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe physical fur or skin on an animal, as that is usually referred to as 皮膚 or 毛髮. This term is strictly metaphorical when talking about knowledge or skills.
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.
