san1 keoi1身軀身躯
Jyutpingsan1 keoi1
Yalesān kēui
Definition
The human body or torso.
neutralbody
How it's used
Literary and slightly formal in tone, this term is rarely used in casual, everyday speech to refer to a person's physical body. It carries a sense of weight or physical presence, often appearing in descriptive writing or when emphasizing the physical toll of an activity. In most daily contexts, speakers prefer the more neutral and common 身體.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He dragged his tired body back home.
Your body is so big, how are you going to squeeze in?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to refer to a person's health or medical condition, as it strictly denotes the physical frame or torso. Using it in place of 身體 when discussing general wellness will sound unnatural and overly dramatic.
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.
