be1 lei2啤梨
Jyutpingbe1 lei2
Yalebē léi
Definition
Pear; specifically the Western pear, a sweet, juicy gourd-shaped fruit.
colloquialfood
How it's used
Borrowed directly from the English word pear, this term is the standard way to refer to the fruit in daily life. It specifically refers to the Western-style pear, which is distinct from the round, crunchy Asian pears known as 雪梨. You will often see it sold in supermarkets alongside other imported fruits.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 雪梨, which has a completely different texture and flavor profile. While 啤梨 is soft and juicy when ripe, 雪梨 remains crisp and is often used in soups or for medicinal purposes.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
