ceng1 sik1青色
Jyutpingceng1 sik1
Yalechēng sīk
Definition
Green, cyan, or blue-green; a color between green and yellow, such as the color of green apples.
colloquialcolours
How it's used
Distinguishing between shades of green is nuanced in Cantonese, where 青色 often refers to a lighter, more vibrant, or yellowish-green compared to the deeper, standard 綠色. It is frequently used for natural objects like fruits or vegetables, such as 青蘋果 or 青瓜, rather than for manufactured items. When describing objects, it highlights a specific, fresh, or unripe quality that standard green does not capture.
Examples
Do you prefer yellowish-green or green?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 青色 with 綠色, which is the general term for green. Using 青色 to describe something that is clearly a dark or forest green will sound unnatural to native speakers.
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.
