coeng1槍枪
Jyutpingcoeng1
Yalechēung
Definition
Spear; a pole weapon with a sharp pointed head.
neutralother
How it's used
While 槍 is the standard term for a spear in historical or martial arts contexts, it is far more commonly used in modern Cantonese to refer to a firearm or gun. When referring to a traditional spear, speakers often specify it as 長槍 to avoid confusion with modern weaponry. The character is also used in various compound words related to competitive sports or military equipment.
Measure word
zi1枝jīExamples
He is holding a spear in his hand, looking like he is going to war.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the modern meaning of gun. If you are talking about historical weaponry, ensure the context is clear so listeners do not assume you are talking about a firearm.
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.
