jyu4 ngaan6魚雁鱼雁

Jyutpingjyu4 ngaan6

Yaleyùh ngaahn

Definition

Letters, correspondence, or a messenger.

literaryletters; epistles; mail
literarya messenger

writtencommunication

How it's used

This term is a literary and poetic way to refer to letters or correspondence, originating from ancient legends where wild geese were believed to carry messages. Using it in modern daily speech sounds very formal or even archaic, often used to add a touch of elegance or nostalgia to one's writing. It is rarely heard in casual conversation, where common terms like 信 are preferred.

Examples

hou2好noi6耐mou5冇sau1收dou3到keoi5佢ge3嘅jyu4魚ngaan6雁laa3喇。

I haven't received any letters from them for a long time.

nei5你zung6仲jau5有mou5冇se2寫jyu4魚ngaan6雁ge3嘅zaap6習gwaan3慣aa4呀？

Do you still have the habit of writing letters?

Common phrases

jyu4魚ngaan6雁wong5往faan2返

exchange of letters

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a literal reference to fish or birds because of the characters, but it is strictly a metaphor for communication. Avoid using it in professional or casual settings, as it will sound overly dramatic or confusing to native speakers.