鐵
tit3
The Cantonese word for iron is 鐵 (tit3).
The word 鐵 primarily refers to the metal iron. While '鐵' (tit3) means the metal iron, the verb 'to iron' clothing is more commonly expressed using the verb 熨 (wan2).
Meaning: to pass an iron over clothing (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
鐵 literally means 'iron' (the metal).
How do you pronounce it?
tit3
Did you know?
- The character 鐵 is one of the most complex common characters, consisting of 21 strokes in its traditional form.
- The term 鐵口直言 describes someone who speaks the blunt truth without fear, effectively having a 'mouth of iron'.
- If you ask for an 'iron' (the appliance) in a shop, you might say 熨斗 (wan2 dau3), which literally translates to 'smoothing斗' (a ladle or tool).
Examples in context
- 我需要一個鐵片。I need an iron piece.
- 一般都係用熨斗來熨衫。Usually, an iron is used to iron clothes.
- 呢件恤衫仲未鐵過。ni1 gin6 seot3 saam1 zung6 mei6 tit3 gwo3.This shirt hasn't been ironed yet.
Example conversation
Ka Ming and Ya Ting are preparing for a formal dinner.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting家明，你件白衫仲係好皺。gaa1 ming4, nei5 gin2 baak6 saam1 zung6 hai6 hou2 zau3.Ka Ming, your white shirt is still very wrinkled.
- 家明 Ka Ming唔緊要，我等陣就去鐵。m4 gan2 jiu3, ngo5 dang2 zan6 zau6 heoi3 tit3.It's okay, I'll go iron it in a moment.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting快啲啦，我哋就快遲到。faai3 di1 laa1, ngo5 dei6 zau6 faai3 ci4 dou3.Hurry up, we are going to be late.
- 家明 Ka Ming好，我而家即刻鐵好佢。hou2, ngo5 ji4 gaa3 zik1 hak6 tit3 hou2 keoi5.Okay, I will iron it right now.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
