fo2 gai1火雞火鸡
Jyutpingfo2 gai1
Yalefó gāi
Definition
Turkey; a large domesticated bird commonly eaten during Christmas and Thanksgiving.
colloquialfoodanimals
How it's used
Beyond its literal meaning as a bird, this term is frequently used in Hong Kong to refer to a person who is clumsy or acts foolishly. It carries a slightly mocking tone when applied to people, similar to calling someone a turkey in English. The association with the bird's appearance and wobbly movement makes it a common insult in casual banter.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
We usually eat turkey at Christmas.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 雞, which is a common term for chicken. Using 火雞 to refer to a regular chicken will cause confusion, as the two birds are distinct in both size and cultural significance.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
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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.
