sau2 zi2 gung1手指公
Jyutpingsau2 zi2 gung1
Yalesáu jí gūng
Definition
Thumb
colloquialbody
How it's used
Refers specifically to the thumb in a way that feels more natural and grounded in daily life than the formal term 大拇指. It is common to use this when describing physical gestures, such as giving a thumbs up or using a smartphone screen. The term is universally understood across all age groups in Hong Kong.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
Why are you putting your thumb up?
I accidentally got my thumb caught in the door.
Related words
Common phrases
to give a thumbs up
Common mistake
Avoid using the Mandarin term 大拇指 in casual conversation, as it sounds overly formal or academic. Stick to 手指公 for everyday speech.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
