ceon1膥
Jyutpingceon1
Yalechēun
Definition
An egg of a bird or reptile, or slang for testicles.
- egg of a bird, reptile, or insect
- slangtesticles
colloquialfoodbody
How it's used
Originally the standard character for egg, it has been largely supplanted by 蛋 in formal writing and most daily contexts. In modern Cantonese, it is primarily used in the literal sense for bird or reptile eggs, or as a vulgar slang term for testicles. Using it in polite conversation to refer to food can sound archaic or overly rustic.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this character in professional or formal settings, as the slang meaning is very prominent and can be perceived as crude or offensive depending on the listener.
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.
