gei3 sang1寄生
Jyutpinggei3 sang1
Yalegei sāng
Definition
To parasitize; to live as a parasite on another organism.
neutralanimalshealth
How it's used
Primarily used in scientific or biological contexts to describe organisms living off a host. While it can be used metaphorically to describe a person who relies entirely on others for support, it carries a strong negative connotation of being a burden. It is distinct from 寄住, which simply means to stay temporarily at someone's home.
Examples
This kind of insect really likes to parasitize animals.
Do you know which bacteria parasitize the human body?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 寄住, which refers to living in someone else's house as a guest or tenant. Using 寄生 to describe a person staying with a friend will sound like you are calling them a parasite.
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.
