sau2 han4 han4手痕痕
Jyutpingsau2 han4 han4
Yalesáu hàhn hàhn
Definition
Eager to do or touch something, typically with one's hands.
colloquialbodydaily actions
How it's used
Describes an irresistible urge to touch, fiddle with, or interfere with something, often when you know you should keep your hands to yourself. It carries a playful or slightly mischievous tone, implying that the action is impulsive rather than malicious. You will often hear it used when someone cannot resist clicking buttons, rearranging items, or buying things they do not need.
Examples
Seeing the new phone makes me feel like buying it.
Why are you getting handsy and touching other people's things?
Related words
Common phrases
itchy hands wanting to buy something
to impulsively touch or fiddle with
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with physical skin irritation, which is simply described as 手痕. Adding the second 痕 turns it into an idiomatic expression for an impulsive urge to act.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
