gaai3 zi2戒指
Jyutpinggaai3 zi2
Yalegaai jí
Definition
Ring; a circular accessory typically worn on the finger.
neutralclothing
How it's used
While standard in written Chinese, 戒指 is also the common term used in spoken Cantonese. It is almost exclusively used for jewelry worn on fingers, unlike the broader term 環 which can refer to any ring-shaped object. When talking about rings in a romantic context, people often specify the type, such as 求婚戒指 for engagement rings.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
Her ring is very pretty, where did she buy it?
Related words
Common phrases
wedding ring
engagement ring
to wear a ring
Common mistake
Learners often use the wrong measure word, but the only correct classifier for 戒指 is 隻. Using 個 or 件 will sound unnatural to native speakers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
