cau3 cung4臭蟲臭虫
Jyutpingcau3 cung4
Yalechau chùhng
Definition
Bedbug.
colloquialanimalshome
How it's used
While 臭蟲 is understood as a direct translation of bed bug, it is rarely used in daily Hong Kong speech. Most locals exclusively use the term 木蝨 to refer to these pests. Using 臭蟲 might sound like you are reading from a textbook or a formal news report rather than having a natural conversation.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
There are bed bugs in the room, I couldn't sleep all night.
Did you bring bed bugs home with you?
Related words
Common phrases
to get an infestation of bed bugs
Common mistake
Avoid using 臭蟲 in casual settings as it sounds unnatural. Stick to 木蝨 to ensure you are understood immediately and sound like a local.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
