guk1 ngau4穀牛
Jyutpingguk1 ngau4
Yalegūk ngàuh
Definition
Rice weevil; a small black insect found in grain or rice.
colloquialfoodanimals
How it's used
Refers specifically to the small, dark beetles commonly found in stored grains like rice or beans. While technically called 米象 in formal contexts, locals almost exclusively use this term to describe the infestation. It is often used to express annoyance or concern about food hygiene in the kitchen.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
Common phrases
to have a weevil infestation
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general terms for insects like 蟲. It is specific to the weevils found in dry goods, so using it for other household pests will sound incorrect.
Grammar color guide
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Adjective
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Particle
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
