gaap3 cung4甲蟲甲虫
Jyutpinggaap3 cung4
Yalegaap chùhng
Definition
Beetle; a general term for insects of the order Coleoptera, characterized by a hard outer shell.
neutralanimals
How it's used
Refers specifically to insects in the order Coleoptera, which are characterized by their hardened forewings known as elytra. While technically accurate for all beetles, it is often used in casual settings to describe any insect with a hard, shell-like exterior found in gardens or parks.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
There is a beetle crawling on the grass.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this term for insects like cockroaches, which are 曱甴, even though they also have hard shells. Confusing the two is a common mistake for learners who focus only on the physical appearance of the insect.
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.
