bik1 fu2壁虎

Jyutpingbik1 fu2

Yalebīk fú

名詞Rare

Definition

Gecko; a small to medium-sized lizard able to walk on walls and other surfaces.

neutralanimals

How it's used

While 壁虎 is the standard term, many locals colloquially refer to them as 簷蛇. These creatures are generally seen as harmless and even beneficial because they eat mosquitoes and other small insects that enter homes. It is common to find them clinging to walls or ceilings in older residential buildings or near outdoor lights at night.

Measure word

zek3隻jek

Examples

tin1天faa1花baan2板soeng6上min6面jau5有zek3隻bik1壁fu2虎aa4呀。

There is a gecko on the ceiling.

nei5你geng1驚m4唔geng1驚uk1屋kei2企jau5有bik1壁fu2虎jap6入lai4嚟？

Are you afraid of geckos coming into the house?

Common phrases

bik1壁fu2虎paa4爬coeng4牆

gecko climbing a wall

Common mistake

Do not confuse 壁虎 with 蜥蜴, which is a broader term for lizards in general. While a gecko is a type of lizard, most people in Hong Kong use 簷蛇 specifically when talking about the small ones found inside houses.