coeng1菖
Jyutpingcoeng1
Yalechēung
Definition
Classifier for stems or stalks of flowers.
colloquialnature
How it's used
Specifically reserved for potted flowering plants like orchids, this measure word highlights the individual flowering stalks growing from the base. It is rarely used for cut flowers in a vase, where 枝 is preferred. Using this word signals a more precise or appreciative observation of the plant's growth.
Examples
This pot of orchid has three stems of flowers blooming, it is very pretty.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 枝, which is a general classifier for long, thin objects. While 枝 can technically be used for flowers, 菖 is much more specific to the structural stems of potted plants and sounds more natural to experienced speakers in a gardening context.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
