caan1 gan1餐巾
Jyutpingcaan1 gan1
Yalechāan gān
Definition
Table napkin.
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How it's used
While the term refers to cloth napkins, in many casual Hong Kong eateries, you will mostly encounter paper napkins instead. People often use the word interchangeably for both paper and cloth versions without distinction. It is common to ask for one by simply saying 攞張紙巾, as paper napkins are the standard expectation in most local cafes.
Measure word
zoeng1張jēungExamples
Could you please give me another napkin, thanks.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 抹手紙, which refers specifically to the paper towels found in public restrooms. Using 抹手紙 to refer to a table napkin will sound strange as it implies you are using a rough, industrial-grade paper towel to wipe your mouth.
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.
