sau2 bou6手部
Jyutpingsau2 bou6
Yalesáu bouh
Definition
Hand; radical 64 of the Kangxi radicals.
neutralbody
How it's used
While 手部 is a valid term for the hand area, it is primarily used in medical, formal, or descriptive contexts rather than daily conversation. In casual speech, people almost exclusively use 手 to refer to the hand, arm, or even the whole limb. Using 手部 in a casual setting can make you sound like you are reading from a medical report or a textbook.
Examples
Their hand is injured and they need to rest for a few days.
Does your hand feel uncomfortable?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use 手部 when they simply mean the hand itself. Remember that in Cantonese, the simple word 手 is sufficient for almost all everyday situations, and adding 部 makes it sound overly clinical or detached.
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.
