jam4妊
Jyutpingjam4
Yaleyàhm
Definition
To conceive; to be pregnant.
writtenhealthpeople
How it's used
The character 妊 is almost exclusively found in formal or literary contexts like medical reports or news headlines. In everyday spoken Cantonese, people avoid using this character entirely, preferring the phrase 有咗 or 有咗身孕 to describe pregnancy. Using 妊 in casual conversation sounds unnatural and overly clinical.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to use 妊 as a verb in sentences, but it does not function as a standalone verb in spoken Cantonese. Always use the phrase 有咗 when talking about someone being pregnant.
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.
