bin3 zung2變種变种
Jyutpingbin3 zung2
Yalebin júng
Definition
To mutate; for a gene or pathogen to alter its internal structure.
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How it's used
Primarily used in scientific or medical contexts, this term is frequently heard in news reports regarding pandemics or biological research. It describes a fundamental shift in the genetic makeup of an organism rather than a simple change in appearance or behavior. While it sounds formal, it is the standard way to discuss viral evolution in everyday conversation.
Examples
This virus has mutated and is highly infectious.
Are they worried that the virus will mutate?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 變身, which refers to a transformation in appearance or a character changing form in fiction. 變種 is strictly reserved for biological or genetic mutation.
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.
