zoeng2掌
Jyutpingzoeng2
Yalejéung
Definition
The palm of a hand, or the paw, sole, or webbed foot of an animal.
colloquialanimalsbody
How it's used
Refers specifically to the fleshy, padded part of an animal's limb, which is why it is often used for cats, dogs, or bears. When referring to a human hand, use 手掌 instead to avoid confusion with animal anatomy. It carries a sense of softness or thickness, distinguishing it from the bony parts of the limb.
Measure word
zek3隻jekRelated words
Common mistake
Do not use this word to describe a human hand, as it sounds like you are referring to an animal's paw. Always use 手掌 for humans.
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.
