gwan3 zai2棍仔
Jyutpinggwan3 zai2
Yalegwan jái
Definition
Chopsticks.
colloquialfooddaily actions
How it's used
Using 棍仔 is a playful or very informal way to refer to chopsticks, often used in casual home settings or among close friends. It literally translates to little stick, which highlights the shape of the utensil. While universally understood, it is not used in formal dining or professional contexts where 筷子 is the standard term.
Measure word
deoi3對deuiExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the standard word 筷子. Using 棍仔 in a restaurant or with people you do not know well can sound overly casual or even slightly disrespectful, as if you are trivializing the utensil.
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.
