jyu5 zuk6語族语族
Jyutpingjyu5 zuk6
Yaleyúh juhk
Definition
Language branch; a group of closely related languages within a language family.
neutralother
How it's used
This term is primarily used in academic or linguistic contexts rather than casual conversation. It functions as a taxonomic classification below the level of a language family, known as 語系. When discussing specific groups, it is common to attach the language name directly to the suffix, such as 漢語族 or 苗瑤語族.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
There are many different dialects within the Sinitic language branch.
Do you know which language branch this language belongs to?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 語族 with 語系, but 語系 is the broader category, while 語族 refers to a specific branch within that family. Using them interchangeably can lead to inaccuracies in linguistic classification.
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.
