hyun2 ci2犬齒犬齿
Jyutpinghyun2 ci2
Yalehyún chí
Definition
Canine tooth; one of the four pointed teeth next to the incisors used for tearing food.
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How it's used
Canine teeth are often referred to as 虎牙 in casual conversation, especially when they are slightly prominent or protrude from the gum line. While 犬齒 is the anatomical term, 虎牙 carries a more descriptive, sometimes aesthetic connotation in daily life. It is common to hear people comment on someone having cute or sharp 虎牙 rather than using the technical term.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
When he smiles, you can see his two canine teeth.
Do you know what canine teeth are used for?
Related words
Common phrases
sharp canine teeth
Common mistake
Avoid using 犬齒 to describe a person's teeth in a casual social setting unless you are discussing dental health or biology. Use 虎牙 instead if you are talking about the physical appearance of someone's teeth.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
