sou1鬚须
Jyutpingsou1
Yalesōu
Definition
Facial hair, including a beard, moustache, or stubble.
colloquialbodydescriptions
How it's used
Refers specifically to facial hair on men. While 鬚 is the general term, it is often paired with 鬍 to form 鬍鬚 for a more complete description of facial hair. It is also used metaphorically to describe the long, thin feelers or antennae of insects and crustaceans like prawns.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
When are you going to shave?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 鬍鬚佬, which is a colloquial, sometimes slightly derogatory way to refer to a man with a beard or moustache. Using 鬚 alone is neutral, but adding descriptors can change the tone significantly.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
