zaa1查
Jyutpingzaa1
Yalejā
Definition
The Chinese surname Cha.
neutralpeople
How it's used
This surname is famously associated with the renowned novelist Jin Yong, whose real name is 查良鏞. It is a relatively uncommon surname in Hong Kong compared to names like 陳 or 李. When used as a surname, it is pronounced with a level tone, distinct from the verb 查 meaning to investigate.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse the surname 查 with the verb 查 meaning to investigate or check. While the characters are identical, the context of addressing someone as 查生 or 查小姐 clearly marks it as a surname.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
