jing4蠅蝇
Jyutpingjing4
Yaleyìhng
Definition
Fly; a two-winged insect of the family Muscidae.
colloquialanimals
How it's used
While 蠅 is the formal or biological term, native speakers almost exclusively use 烏蠅 in daily life. Using 蠅 alone can sound slightly detached or overly clinical, similar to referring to a dog as 犬 instead of 狗. It is common to add the classifier 隻 before 烏蠅 to make the sentence sound natural.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
A fly just flew in.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to use 蠅 by itself, but it sounds unnatural in casual conversation. Always use 烏蠅 when talking about the insect in a domestic or everyday setting.
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.
