guk1 faa1菊花
Jyutpingguk1 faa1
Yalegūk fā
Definition
Chrysanthemum plant or flower, commonly grown for decoration or used in tomb-sweeping rituals.
colloquialnaturefestival
How it's used
Chrysanthemums are deeply associated with traditional mourning and grave sweeping rituals in Hong Kong, so they are rarely given as gifts for happy occasions like birthdays or weddings. While they are beautiful, they carry a somber cultural weight that makes them unsuitable for celebratory bouquets. If you want to give flowers for a joyful event, choose something else to avoid sending the wrong message.
Measure word
do2朵dóExamples
The chrysanthemums here have bloomed beautifully.
Have you bought the chrysanthemums for the grave sweeping yet?
Related words
Common phrases
chrysanthemum tea
Common mistake
Avoid using this flower for gifts at weddings or housewarmings, as the strong association with funerals and ancestor worship makes it culturally inappropriate for joyful celebrations.
Grammar color guide
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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.
