tou4掏
Jyutpingtou4
Yaletòuh
Definition
To fish out from a pocket or bag; to pull out.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
This verb specifically describes the action of reaching into a confined space, like a pocket or a bag, to retrieve something that is not immediately visible. It implies a sense of searching by touch rather than just grabbing something that is already in plain sight. It is most commonly used when someone is struggling slightly to find an item buried deep inside.
Examples
He fished a tissue out of his pants pocket.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 拎, which is a general term for taking or holding something. Use 掏 when the emphasis is on the act of reaching into a hidden or narrow space to pull an object out.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
