gwo2 zi2 lei4果子狸
Jyutpinggwo2 zi2 lei4
Yalegwó jí lèih
Definition
Masked palm civet; a nocturnal mammal found in China and Southeast Asia.
neutralanimals
How it's used
Historically associated with traditional game meat consumption in parts of Southern China, the term carries a specific cultural weight beyond its biological classification. It is frequently mentioned in public health discussions regarding zoonotic diseases. When referring to the animal in a general context, it is treated like any other wild creature, though it is rarely encountered in urban Hong Kong.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
I have seen a masked palm civet at the zoo.
Do you know if the masked palm civet is a nocturnal animal?
Related words
Common phrases
wild masked palm civet
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse this with general terms for cats or small mammals, but it is a distinct species. Do not use it as a generic term for any small wild cat.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
