sau2 gaap3手甲
Jyutpingsau2 gaap3
Yalesáu gaap
Definition
Fingernail.
colloquialbody
How it's used
Refers specifically to the fingernail, whereas 脚甲 is used for toenails. While 指甲 is understood in Cantonese, native speakers frequently use 手甲 to distinguish fingernails from toenails in casual conversation. It is common to pair this with verbs like 剪 or 修 when discussing grooming.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
Your fingernails are so long, remember to trim them.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 甲, which is a general term for shell or armor. Always include the prefix 手 to ensure you are specifically talking about fingers rather than general hard coverings.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
