hoi2 min4海綿海绵
Jyutpinghoi2 min4
Yalehói mìhn
Definition
Sponge; referring to both the porous absorbent material and the marine animal.
- sponge; a highly absorbent, elastic material used for cleaning
- sponge; an aquatic invertebrate marine animal
colloquialhomedaily actions
How it's used
Refers to both the synthetic cleaning tool and the natural marine organism. When used for cleaning, it is frequently paired with the measure word 嚿 to emphasize its squishy, porous texture. It is also commonly used metaphorically to describe someone who learns very quickly, similar to the English expression of being a sponge for information.
Measure word
gau6嚿gauhExamples
Please buy me a sponge to wash the dishes.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 泡棉, which refers specifically to foam materials like those used in packaging or upholstery, whereas 海綿 is typically associated with porous, absorbent cleaning tools.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
