jan4 zi6 to1人字拖
Jyutpingjan4 zi6 to1
Yaleyàhn jih tō
Definition
Flip-flops; sandals with a Y-shaped strap that separates the big toe from the other toes.
colloquialclothing
How it's used
The name comes from the visual resemblance of the Y-shaped strap to the Chinese character 人. While perfectly acceptable for casual settings like the beach or a quick trip to the convenience store, wearing them to formal events or workplaces is considered highly inappropriate and unprofessional. It is common to pair this with the verb 踢, as in 踢住對人字拖, to describe the act of walking around in them.
Measure word
deoi3對deuiExamples
Wearing flip-flops is the most convenient way to go out and buy things.
Where are you going to hang out wearing those flip-flops?
Related words
Common phrases
to wear flip-flops (while walking)
a pair of flip-flops
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 涼鞋, which is a broader term for sandals that usually have straps around the heel or ankle. 人字拖 specifically refers to the thong-style sandal.
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.
