jam2 gun2飲管饮管
Jyutpingjam2 gun2
Yaleyám gún
Definition
Drinking straw; a hollow cylindrical tube used for drinking liquids.
colloquialfooddrink
How it's used
Environmental awareness has led many local establishments to replace plastic straws with paper or metal alternatives, yet the term remains unchanged. While some might use the word 飲管, younger generations or those in trendy cafes may simply use the English loanword straw, pronounced with a Cantonese accent.
Measure word
zi1支jīExamples
This restaurant no longer provides drinking straws.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse the measure word 支 with the verb 支, which means to support or prop up. When counting straws, 支 is the standard classifier, though 條 is also occasionally heard in casual speech.
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.
