faan4 jin5繁衍
Jyutpingfaan4 jin5
Yalefàahn yíhn
Definition
To breed, procreate, and multiply in number.
neutralanimalspeople
How it's used
Focuses on the biological or demographic expansion of a species or population over time. It carries a formal or academic tone that is rarely used in casual daily chatter about people. You will mostly encounter it in documentaries, news reports, or scientific discussions.
Examples
This species of bird has been breeding here for many years.
How do humans continue to procreate on Earth?
Related words
Common phrases
to procreate and leave offspring
to breed and survive
Common mistake
Avoid using this word to describe the simple act of having a child or raising a family, as it sounds overly clinical and detached. Use 生仔 or 養育 instead for personal or family contexts.
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.
