ci4臍脐
Jyutpingci4
Yalechìh
Definition
Navel; belly button.
neutralbody
How it's used
People in Hong Kong almost exclusively use the colloquial term 肚臍 instead of the formal 臍 when speaking. Using the single character 臍 on its own sounds quite clinical or literary, similar to referring to an abdomen as a belly or gut in English. It is mostly encountered in medical contexts or compound words like 臍帶.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Why is your navel so dirty?
Related words
Common phrases
umbilical cord
Common mistake
Learners often try to use 臍 in casual conversation, but it will sound unnatural or overly formal. Always add 肚 to make it 肚臍 for everyday speech.
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.
