faan6 caan2 tau4飯剷頭饭铲头
Jyutpingfaan6 caan2 tau4
Yalefaahn cháan tàuh
Definition
The Chinese cobra.
colloquialanimalsnature
How it's used
This term literally translates to rice-scoop head, referring to the distinct hood the snake displays when threatened. It is the standard colloquial name for the Chinese cobra in Hong Kong, far more common in daily speech than the formal biological name. It is often used in cautionary warnings when people go hiking in rural areas.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
Remember to stay away if you see a Chinese cobra while hiking.
Related words
Common phrases
encounter a Chinese cobra
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with generic terms for snakes like 蛇, as this specifically refers to the venomous cobra. Using it to describe other non-hooded snakes would be factually incorrect.
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.
