waai4 pou5懷抱怀抱
Jyutpingwaai4 pou5
Yalewàaih póuh
Definition
The bosom, embrace, or the space created when hugging someone.
neutralpeopleemotion
How it's used
Refers specifically to the metaphorical or physical space created by an embrace, often carrying a sense of warmth, safety, or emotional refuge. While it can describe the physical act of holding, it is frequently used in literary or emotive contexts to describe returning to a place of comfort or belonging. It sounds more poetic and intimate than simply using 抱住.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He likes hiding in his mother's arms.
When will you finally be willing to fall into my arms?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the verb 擁抱, which refers to the action of hugging itself. 懷抱 is strictly a noun representing the space or the state of being held, whereas 擁抱 is the physical movement.
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.
