coeng4 tou5腸肚肠肚
Jyutpingcoeng4 tou5
Yalechèuhng tóuh
Definition
Intestines and stomach, or figuratively, the seat of emotions.
- intestines and stomach
- figurativethe viscera, considered to be the seat of emotions
colloquialbodyemotion
How it's used
Refers to the internal organs but frequently functions as a metaphorical space for one's true feelings or hidden intentions. It is common to hear it used when someone is feeling physically unwell due to stress or when describing someone who is difficult to read. Unlike the more clinical term 胃, this carries a visceral sense of being the core of a person.
Examples
He always says his stomach feels uncomfortable.
Related words
Common phrases
gastrointestinal discomfort
Common mistake
Avoid using this to refer to a specific organ like the stomach in a medical context, as it is a collective term for the gut area. For a simple stomach ache, 肚痛 is the standard choice.
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.
