to4 biu1砣錶砣表
Jyutpingto4 biu1
Yaletòh bīu
Definition
Pocket watch.
colloquialother
How it's used
Refers specifically to a traditional mechanical watch that is carried in a pocket, often attached to a chain. It carries a nostalgic or vintage feel, as these are rarely used for daily timekeeping in modern Hong Kong. You will mostly hear it in contexts involving antiques, family heirlooms, or period dramas.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
Do you know where one can get this pocket watch repaired?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with a standard wristwatch, which is called 錶 or 手錶. Using 砣錶 for a modern wristwatch will sound very strange to native speakers.
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.
