ji2 zi2椅子
Jyutpingji2 zi2
Yaleyí jí
Definition
Chair; a seat with a backrest.
neutralhomedaily actions
How it's used
椅子 is the formal term for a chair with a backrest, but it is rarely used in daily spoken Cantonese. Most people simply use 凳 for any kind of seat, whether it has a back or not. Using 椅子 in casual conversation can sound slightly stiff or like you are reading from a textbook.
Measure word
zoeng1張jēungExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use 椅子 because it is the direct translation from Mandarin, but native speakers almost exclusively use 凳 in everyday life. If you want to sound natural, stick to 凳 unless you are writing formally.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
