toi2 bou3枱布
Jyutpingtoi2 bou3
Yaletói bou
Definition
Tablecloth, or a rag used for wiping tables.
- tablecloth; cloth spread over a dining table
- rag or cloth used for wiping tables
colloquialhomedaily actions
How it's used
This word is versatile because it refers to both the decorative cover for a dining table and the functional rag used for wiping surfaces. When referring to the cover, it is treated as a piece of furniture accessory, whereas the wiping cloth is treated as a simple cleaning tool. Context usually clarifies which one is intended, as the former is typically laid out while the latter is held in hand.
Measure word
zoeng1張jēungExamples
This tablecloth is very pretty, where did you buy it?
Have you used the cloth to wipe the table clean yet?
Related words
Common mistake
Be careful not to confuse this with 抹布, which specifically refers to a rag for cleaning and is never used to describe a decorative table cover.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
