can3 ji1襯衣衬衣
Jyutpingcan3 ji1
Yalechan yī
Definition
Shirt; a Western-style shirt with a collar, sleeves, and a vertical row of buttons down the front.
neutralclothing
How it's used
Refers specifically to a button-down shirt with a collar, typically associated with formal or business attire. While it is the standard term, many people in casual settings simply use the loanword 恤衫 instead. Using 襯衣 sounds slightly more descriptive or formal than the ubiquitous 恤衫.
Measure word
gin2件gínExamples
Where did you buy that shirt?
He is wearing a white shirt today.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 衫, which is a generic term for any piece of clothing or top. Using 襯衣 for a t-shirt or a sweater will sound unnatural, as it strictly implies the button-down style.
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.
