hang4 sing1 zong6 sing1 wan4行星狀星雲行星状星云

Jyutpinghang4 sing1 zong6 sing1 wan4
Yalehàhng sīng johng sīng wàhn

Definition

Planetary nebula

neutralnature

How it's used

Planetary nebulae have nothing to do with planets despite the name. The term originates from early astronomers who thought these objects looked like gas giants through low power telescopes. It is a technical term used in scientific contexts rather than everyday casual conversation.

Measure word

go3個go

Common phrases

observe a planetary nebula

Common mistake

Learners often mistakenly assume this refers to a nebula containing planets, but it actually describes the shell of ionized gas ejected from red giant stars.

Grammar color guide

Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector

More words

hong2 koi3
慷慨
Generous and openhanded; willing to spend money, effort, or resources for others.
haa1 jan4
蝦仁虾仁
Shelled shrimp; shrimp meat with the head and tail removed.
hin3 bing1
憲兵宪兵
Military police; a special military unit responsible for enforcing law, maintaining order, and security tasks.
hau6 si6
後事后事
Events that happen afterwards, or funeral arrangements and affairs.
hou2 sik6 hou2 zyu6
好食好住
To have good food and nice accommodation; to live a comfortable and comfortable life.
hoi6 kwan4 zi1 maa5
害群之馬害群之马
Black sheep; a member who brings disgrace to a group.
Browse all words starting with H

Grammar guides

Browse all grammar topics →

Learn more on the YumCha blog