zi6 lap1字粒
Jyutpingzi6 lap1
Yalejih lāp
Definition
A movable type; a single block or character used in letterpress printing.
colloquialworkother
How it's used
Refers specifically to the individual metal or wooden blocks used in traditional letterpress printing. While the term is largely historical due to the shift to digital printing, it remains a common metaphor for someone who is extremely meticulous or pedantic about word choice and spelling.
Measure word
nap1粒nāpExamples
In the past, typesetting required picking out each individual type one by one.
Does this printing shop still have any old types left behind?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 字母, which refers to the abstract concept of an alphabet or letters in a language. 字粒 is strictly physical and tactile, representing the actual object used for stamping or printing.
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.
