cin1阡
Jyutpingcin1
Yalechīn
Definition
A footpath between fields, especially one running north and south.
writtennatureplaces
How it's used
This character is almost exclusively encountered in the compound 阡陌, which refers to the paths between fields in agricultural settings. It carries a strong literary and classical tone, rarely appearing in modern spoken Cantonese outside of formal descriptions or poetic contexts. You will mostly see it in literature or when describing rural landscapes.
Examples
These north-south and east-west paths crisscross each other.
He is walking between the paths in the fields.
Related words
Common phrases
paths between fields
paths crisscrossing in all directions
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common word, but it is highly specialized and should not be used to describe ordinary roads or streets in a city.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
