打
daa2
The Cantonese word for 'hit' is 打 (daa2).
While primarily meaning to administer a blow, the verb 打 is highly versatile. Depending on the object, it can also mean to play musical instruments, to make a phone call or to type.
Meaning: to administer a blow (verb)
Which one should you use?
For a more forceful or destructive sense, you can use the informal phrase 打爆, which emphasizes hitting something to the point of destruction. If you need a formal way to indicate hitting, use 击中.
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate that the action of hitting has already occurred, add the aspect marker 咗 after the verb to form 打咗. To express that the action of hitting is finished, use the construction 打完.
How do you pronounce it?
daa2
Did you know?
- To describe 'doing a job' or 'working' in an informal context, speakers use 打工, which literally means 'hitting work'.
- The verb 打 can mean 'to calculate' or 'to figure out' when used in expressions like 打算 meaning 'to plan'.
- When used with the word for 'heart' 心, the phrase 打心底裡 means 'from the bottom of one's heart' and describes a deep, sincere feeling.
Examples in context
- 佢哋係用咩嚟打你㗎？What did they hit you with?This example shows how to ask what was used to hit someone using 打.Tatoeba #1569770 by nickyeow, translation #968248 by CM
- 佢同老婆嗌交冇問題，但係郁手打老婆就唔應該喇。It's not an issue if he argues with his wife, but he shouldn't hit her.This example uses 打 to discuss the inappropriateness of hitting a spouse.Tatoeba #397197 by nickyeow, translation #437974 by aliene
- 打我吖。Hit me.This example demonstrates a direct command to hit using 打.Tatoeba #1746088 by nickyeow, translation #792729 by FeuDRenais2
Example conversation
A mother is scolding her son for being aggressive with a pet.
- 美玲 Mei Ling志強，唔好打狗呀！zi3 koeng4, m4 hou2 daa2 gau2 aa1!Chi Keung, don't hit the dog!
- 志強 Chi Keung我冇呀，我只係摸下佢。ngo5 mou5 aa3, ngo5 zi2 hai6 mo1 haa5 keoi5.I didn't, I was just petting him.
- 美玲 Mei Ling你先係打咗佢一下。nei5 sin1 hai6 daa2 zo2 keoi5 jat1 hau6.You were the one who hit him.
- 志強 Chi Keung我真係冇打佢。ngo5 zan1 hai6 mou5 daa2 keoi5.I really didn't hit him.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
