fung6鳳凤
Jyutpingfung6
Yalefuhng
Definition
The male phoenix in Chinese mythology; also used as an elegant name for a chicken.
- male phoenix
- literarychicken
neutralother
How it's used
While 鳳 technically refers to the male phoenix and 凰 to the female, they are almost exclusively used together as the compound 鳳凰 in modern speech. Using 鳳 alone is largely restricted to literary contexts, names, or specific cultural references. It is rarely used as a standalone noun in daily conversation to describe a bird.
Examples
The name phoenix sounds very imposing.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake 鳳 for a common bird name, but it is a mythological term. Do not use it to refer to actual birds like 雞 or 雀.
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.
