put3潑泼
Jyutpingput3
Yaleput
Definition
To splash, sprinkle, or spill liquid outwards from a container.
colloquialdaily actionsother
How it's used
Focuses on the forceful, often sudden, action of throwing liquid from a container. It is frequently used in contexts involving anger or accidents where liquid is flung outwards rather than just poured. The term is also central to the cultural event of the Songkran festival, known as 潑水節.
Examples
He splashed a cup of water on me the moment he got angry.
Related words
Common phrases
to pour cold water on someone (to discourage them)
Common mistake
Avoid using this for simply pouring liquid, such as pouring tea or water into a cup, where 倒 is the correct verb. Using 潑 implies a more aggressive or messy action that is usually unintentional or hostile.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
