taai3 gik6 kyun4太極拳太极拳
Jyutpingtaai3 gik6 kyun4
Yaletaai gihk kyùhn
Definition
Tai chi; a traditional martial art that emphasizes relaxation, flexibility, and inner focus.
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How it's used
People almost always use the verb 打 when talking about practicing this martial art, rather than using words for practice or study. It is a common sight in Hong Kong public parks early in the morning, where elderly residents gather to perform the slow, flowing movements together.
Measure word
tou3套touExamples
He goes to the park to practice Taichi every morning.
How long have you been learning Taichi?
Related words
Common mistake
Beginners often mistake the verb for learning or practicing, but the specific collocation for this activity is always 打.
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.
