hin2 hok3 zi6蜆殼字蚬壳字
Jyutpinghin2 hok3 zi6
Yalehín hok jih
Definition
Antonyms; words with opposite meanings.
neutralschoolcommunication
How it's used
This term is a specific linguistic label used in Hong Kong education to describe pairs of words with opposite meanings. It is rarely used in casual conversation outside of classroom settings or discussions about language learning. The term draws a visual metaphor from the shell of a clam, implying two distinct sides that form a complete pair.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
a pair of antonyms
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the brand name Shell, which is also written as 蜆殼 in Hong Kong. Context is essential to distinguish between the linguistic term and the oil company.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
