geng2頸颈
Jyutpinggeng2
Yalegéng
Definition
Neck; the part of the body between the head and shoulders.
colloquialbody
How it's used
Beyond the anatomical meaning, this word is frequently used in idiomatic expressions to describe personality traits or social situations. It often appears in phrases related to stubbornness or being overly eager, reflecting how the neck is perceived as a vulnerable or expressive part of the body.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin term for neck, which is also written as 頸 but pronounced differently. Learners often mistakenly use it to refer to the collar of a shirt, but the correct Cantonese word for a collar is 領.
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.
