gat1桔
Jyutpinggat1
Yalegāt
Definition
Tangerine or mandarin orange, a citrus fruit that is smaller than an orange with a thin, orange skin.
colloquialfoodfestival
How it's used
Associated heavily with the Lunar New Year, where it is displayed as a symbol of good luck and prosperity because the sound of the character is similar to the word for good fortune. It is common to see potted tangerine trees in homes and offices during the festival period. Unlike the larger orange, it is often eaten in one or two bites.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
You must buy a few tangerines to display at home during the Lunar New Year.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the word 橘, which is a more formal or written term for the same fruit. In spoken Cantonese, 桔 is the standard term used in markets and daily life.
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.
