hoi2 si1海獅海狮
Jyutpinghoi2 si1
Yalehói sī
Definition
Sea lion; a marine mammal with external ears and flipper-like limbs that rests on land.
neutralanimals
How it's used
Distinguishing sea lions from seals is a common point of confusion for many. Sea lions are characterized by their visible external ear flaps and their ability to rotate their hind flippers forward to walk on land, whereas seals lack these features and must wiggle on their bellies. In casual conversation, people often use the term loosely for any similar marine mammal, but the distinction is clear in educational or zoo contexts.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
The sea lion at Ocean Park is so cute.
Have you ever seen a sea lion performance?
Related words
Common phrases
sea lion show
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 海獅 with 海豹, which refers to a seal. While both are marine mammals, they belong to different families and have distinct physical traits.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
