beng6 kwan2病菌
Jyutpingbeng6 kwan2
Yalebehng kwán
Definition
Pathogens; disease-causing bacteria, germs, or viruses that enter a living organism.
neutralhealthbody
How it's used
Refers broadly to any microscopic pathogen, including viruses and bacteria, rather than strictly biological bacteria. It is frequently used in hygiene contexts to warn about invisible threats on surfaces or in the air. While technically a noun, it often appears in contexts involving transmission or prevention.
Measure word
zung3種jungExamples
There are so many germs here, you should wash your hands quickly.
Do you want to spread the germs to your family?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 細菌, which specifically refers to bacteria in a scientific sense. Use 病菌 when talking about germs in a general, everyday, or health-conscious context.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
