ci4 syu1辭書辞书

Jyutpingci4 syu1

Yalechìh syū

名詞

Definition

Dictionary; a reference book collecting and explaining words and phrases.

neutralschoolother

How it's used

Refers specifically to a formal or academic collection of words and phrases, often implying a more scholarly or comprehensive work than a standard bilingual dictionary. While understood by all speakers, it is rarely used in casual conversation where people prefer the loanword 字典 for general dictionaries. Using this term often signals a more literary or professional context.

Measure word

bun2本bún

Examples

nei5你wan2搵m4唔wan2搵dou3到le1呢bun2本ci4辭syu1書aa4呀？

Can you find this dictionary?

uk1屋kei2企go2嗰bun2本ci4辭syu1書hou2好gau6舊laa3喇。

The dictionary at home is very old.

Common phrases

zaa1查ci4辭syu1書

look up a dictionary

pin1編zyun2纂ci4辭syu1書

compile a dictionary

Common mistake

Learners often use this term for any kind of dictionary, but it sounds overly formal or academic in daily life. Use 字典 for everyday language, as 辭書 is typically reserved for specialized reference books or large-scale linguistic compilations.