sau2 jyu5手語手语
Jyutpingsau2 jyu5
Yalesáu yúh
Definition
Sign language; a language that uses hand gestures, facial expressions, and mouth movements to communicate.
neutralcommunicationpeople
How it's used
The verb used with this noun is almost always 打, which literally means to hit or strike, rather than 講 or 寫. It functions as a complete visual language system rather than just a set of gestures, so it is important to include facial expressions and mouth movements alongside hand shapes to be considered fluent.
Measure word
zung3種jungExamples
They communicate very smoothly using sign language.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using 講 to describe the act of signing, as it implies vocalization which is not the primary mode of communication here.
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.
