si1 hoi1撕開撕开
Jyutpingsi1 hoi1
Yalesī hōi
Definition
To tear open; to rip apart.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
Use this verb specifically for items that require physical force to break a seal or surface, such as snack bags, envelopes, or adhesive tapes. It implies a deliberate action to access what is inside rather than just damaging the object. When referring to paper or fabric that is ripped by accident, people often prefer the simpler verb 撕.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
tear open the packaging
tear off the adhesive tape
Common mistake
Avoid using this for opening things that have a mechanical mechanism, like doors or jars, where you would use 開 instead.
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.
