gwan1鯤鲲
Jyutpinggwan1
Yalegwān
Definition
A newly hatched fish; fry.
neutralanimalsnature
How it's used
This term is primarily used in aquaculture or by fishing enthusiasts to refer specifically to the larval stage of fish. It is rarely encountered in casual city conversation unless discussing fish farming or stocking a pond. The character itself carries a literary weight from classical texts, but in a practical, spoken context, it functions as a precise technical noun.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general terms for small fish like 魚仔. Using 鯤 in a casual setting might sound overly formal or academic, as most people would simply use 魚苗 to describe young fish in a commercial or hobbyist context.
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.
