gwai1瑰
Jyutpinggwai1
Yalegwāi
Definition
A semi-precious stone.
writtendescriptionsother
How it's used
Primarily appears in literary or formal compounds rather than as a standalone noun in daily speech. It carries a sense of rarity, beauty, or preciousness, often used to describe high-quality gems or breathtaking scenery. You will most frequently encounter it in the word 瑰寶, which refers to a treasure or a gem of great value.
Examples
Have you seen this kind of magnificent stone before?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this word to refer to common rocks or stones, as it implies a high level of aesthetic or monetary value. It is not a general term for minerals or jewelry.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
