gan1 miu4根苗
Jyutpinggan1 miu4
Yalegān mìuh
Definition
The root and shoot of a plant; the origin or source of a matter.
- the root and shoot of a plant
- literarythe origin, source, or cause of a matter
neutralnaturedescriptions
How it's used
Beyond the literal botanical sense, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe the complete eradication of something. It often appears in contexts involving the total removal of a problem or the destruction of a legacy. It carries a sense of finality, implying that nothing is left to grow back.
Measure word
fo2棵fóExamples
This plant had its roots and shoots pulled out by someone.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with just the root or just the sprout, as the term specifically emphasizes the entirety of the plant structure from base to tip. It is rarely used in casual conversation unless you are describing a thorough cleanup or a complete loss.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
