hung4 ciu4紅潮红潮
Jyutpinghung4 ciu4
Yalehùhng chìuh
Definition
Red tide; an algal bloom where rapid accumulation of microscopic algae colors the water.
neutralnature
How it's used
Scientific reports in Hong Kong often refer to this phenomenon as harmful algal blooms, but the term 紅潮 remains the standard way to describe it in daily conversation. It is frequently mentioned in local news reports during warmer months when nutrient levels in the water rise. Despite the name, the water does not always appear bright red and can look brownish or murky depending on the specific algae species involved.
Measure word
ci3次chiExamples
There is a red tide at the beach lately, please do not go into the water.
Do you know why there is suddenly a red tide on the sea surface?
Related words
Common phrases
a red tide outbreak
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse this with the term 潮紅, which refers to facial flushing or blushing. Ensure you keep the order of characters correct to avoid talking about skin conditions when you mean to discuss marine biology.
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.
