hoi2 tong4海棠
Jyutpinghoi2 tong4
Yalehói tòhng
Definition
Asiatic apple; flowering crabapple tree or its blossom.
neutralnature
How it's used
While botanically referring to the crabapple or flowering quince in formal contexts, the term is most commonly applied to various species of begonias in local gardening and floral shops. It carries an elegant, slightly traditional aesthetic often associated with Chinese gardens or older residential balconies. When buying plants, specify the exact variety to avoid confusion with other flowering shrubs.
Measure word
fo2棵fóExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a fruit name due to its botanical association with apples, but in a Hong Kong residential or market context, it almost exclusively refers to the ornamental flowering plant.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
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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.
