dou6 gyun1杜鵑杜鹃
Jyutpingdou6 gyun1
Yaledouh gyūn
Definition
Cuckoo or azalea.
- cuckoo; a bird with a curved upper bill and a distinctive call
- azalea; an evergreen flowering shrub blooming in spring and summer
neutralnatureanimals
How it's used
Distinguishing between the bird and the flower is usually done by context, but adding 花 after the word when referring to the plant is standard practice to avoid confusion. The bird is often associated with its distinct, repetitive call, which frequently appears in literature as a symbol of longing or nostalgia.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
In spring, the mountains are covered in blooming azaleas.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse the bird name with the plant name, so always clarify by adding 花 if you are talking about the shrub, as the bird is the primary association for many speakers.
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.
