fan1 zi2分子
Jyutpingfan1 zi2
Yalefān jí
Definition
Numerator in mathematics, or molecule in chemistry.
- numerator of a fraction
- molecule
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How it's used
This term is a classic example of a homonym in Cantonese where the mathematical meaning and the scientific meaning are completely distinct. While it refers to the top part of a fraction in arithmetic, it is also the standard term for a molecule in chemistry. Context is usually sufficient to distinguish between the two, as one relates to numbers and the other to physical matter.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
The numerator and denominator must both be divided by two.
Related words
Common phrases
numerator and denominator
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 分母, which is the denominator. Remember that the numerator sits on top, just like the head of a person, while the denominator sits at the bottom as the base.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
