tong3 saam1熨衫

Jyutpingtong3 saam1

Yaletong sām

Definition

(verb) (of clothes) to iron

colloquialdaily actionshome

How it's used

This verb is a compound consisting of the action and the object, similar to 食飯. Because it is a verb phrase, you cannot place an object directly after it, so you must use a classifier or a specific item if you want to be precise, such as 熨件衫. It is strictly used for the act of pressing fabric with a heated iron.

Examples

nei5 bong1 ngo5 tong3 saam1 hou2 m4 hou2 aa4

你幫我熨衫好唔好呀？

Could you please help me iron the clothes?

ngo5 ngaam1 ngaam1 tong3 zo2 gin2 saam1 hou2 jit6 gaa4

我啱啱熨咗件衫，好熱㗎。

I just ironed a shirt, it is very hot.

Related words

synonymtong3 saam1燙衫tong sām

Common phrases

tong3 dau2

熨斗

iron (the appliance)

tong3 saam1 baan2

熨衫板

ironing board

Common mistake

Learners often try to use 熨 as a standalone verb for any type of pressing, but it specifically refers to the heat treatment of clothing. Do not confuse it with pressing something flat with your hands or other objects.