jau1 ling4幽靈幽灵
Jyutpingjau1 ling4
Yaleyāu lìhng
Definition
Ghost; phantom; the spirit or soul of a dead person.
neutralother
How it's used
Refers specifically to a spectral or supernatural entity rather than a deceased person's soul in a religious sense. It carries a more literary or cinematic tone compared to the common term 鬼. You will frequently encounter it in horror movie titles or supernatural fiction rather than in casual conversation about spirits.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
This house is so eerie, it feels like there are ghosts.
Do you believe that ghosts exist in this world?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to refer to a person's soul or spirit after death, as 靈魂 is the appropriate term for that context. Using 幽靈 to describe a departed relative sounds unnatural and potentially disrespectful.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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Classifier
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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.
