fei1 mut6飛沫飞沫
Jyutpingfei1 mut6
Yalefēi muht
Definition
Droplets or spray of secretions expelled from the mouth or nose.
neutralhealthbody
How it's used
Primarily used in medical or hygiene contexts, this term carries a clinical tone compared to more casual descriptions of saliva. It is almost exclusively associated with the transmission of germs or viruses through the air. You will frequently encounter it in public health announcements or when discussing the importance of social distancing.
Examples
You are spraying droplets everywhere while talking, it is so gross.
Wearing a mask is to prevent droplet transmission, do you know that?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe general saliva or spit, which is better referred to as 口水. Using 飛沫 in casual conversation to describe someone spitting on the ground sounds overly technical and unnatural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
