jan2 ze2忍者
Jyutpingjan2 ze2
Yaleyán jé
Definition
Ninja; a covert agent or mercenary in feudal Japan specializing in unorthodox warfare and espionage.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
Refers specifically to the historical Japanese covert agents or their modern pop culture depictions. Unlike the Mandarin term which is often used in formal or literary contexts, this is borrowed directly into Cantonese to describe characters in movies, anime, or games. It is rarely used to describe real-life people unless speaking metaphorically about someone who is stealthy or elusive.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
When he was little, he really wanted to be a ninja.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe modern spies or secret agents, as those are better referred to as 間諜. Using this for a modern professional will sound like you are joking or referring to a costume.
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.
