gam1柑
Jyutpinggam1
Yalegām
Definition
Mandarin orange; tangerine.
colloquialfoodfestival
How it's used
Mandarins carry significant cultural weight in Hong Kong, especially during the Lunar New Year when they are displayed as symbols of prosperity and good fortune. Unlike the standard orange, which is often referred to as 橙, the 柑 is specifically associated with this festive season and is frequently given as a gift in pairs. You will often see them sold with leaves still attached to signify freshness and longevity.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
During Chinese New Year, we must buy a few bags of mandarins for the house.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 柑 with 橙. While both are citrus fruits, 柑 generally has a looser, easier-to-peel skin and a more distinct, slightly tart flavor profile compared to the tighter-skinned and often sweeter 橙.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
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.
