zin2 dou1剪刀
Jyutpingzin2 dou1
Yalejín dōu
Definition
Scissors; a tool used for cutting.
colloquialdaily actionsother
How it's used
While 剪刀 is understood in Hong Kong, it is considered a formal or written term derived from Mandarin. Locals almost exclusively use 鉸剪 in daily speech. Using 剪刀 in a casual conversation might sound slightly unnatural or overly formal.
Measure word
baa2把báRelated words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use the measure word 個 for tools like scissors. Always use 把 when referring to scissors, as it is the standard measure word for handheld tools with handles.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Classifier
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Grammar guides
- 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.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
