按摩
on³ mo¹
The English word 'massage' translates to Cantonese as 按摩 (on³ mo¹).
按摩 refers to the noun for rubbing, kneading or hitting a muscled part of a body.
Meaning: rubbing, kneading, or hitting muscled part of a body (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 按摩 is the standard term for a massage, the colloquial term 𢱕骨 is a common colloquial way to describe the act of massaging or kneading muscles and bones.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Hong Kong, the term 按摩 is commonly used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The related form 𢱕骨 is used as a verb meaning to perform a massage on somebody.
How do you pronounce it?
on³ mo¹
Did you know?
- In Hong Kong, signs using the word 按摩 can sometimes be a coded euphemism for adult services. To specify a therapeutic treatment, a shop might instead use terms related to 'chiropractic' or 'physiotherapy'.
- The colloquial term 𢱕骨 literally translates to 'squeezing bones', which might sound painful to an English speaker, but it is a common, friendly way to describe a relaxing muscle massage.
- The character 按 in 按摩 implies a downward pressure, while 摩 suggests a rubbing motion. Together, they describe a specific sequence of pressing and then smoothing the skin.
Examples in context
- 呢個按摩好舒服。ni1 go3 on1 mo1 hou2 syu1 fuk6.This massage is very comfortable.
- 佢幫我做咗按摩。keoi5 bong1 ngo5 zou6 zo2 on1 mo1.He gave me a massage.
Example conversation
Ka Ming and Mei Ling are talking about their stressful work week.
- 美玲 Mei Ling你最近好似好攰。nei6 zeoi3 gan6 hou2 ci5 hou2 gui6.You seem very tired lately.
- 家明 Ka Ming係，我個背好酸。hai6, ngo5 go3 bueis hou2 syun1.Yes, my back is very sore.
- 美玲 Mei Ling不如我哋去按摩？bat1 jyu4 ngo5 dei6 heoi3 on3 mo4?Why don't we go for a massage?
- 家明 Ka Ming好主意，我而家去。hou2 zyu2 ji3, ngo5 ji4 gaa1 heoi3.Good idea, I'll go now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “massage” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
