jyu5 sou3語素语素
Jyutpingjyu5 sou3
Yaleyúh sou
Definition
Morpheme; the smallest meaningful unit of language.
neutralschoolcommunication
How it's used
This is a technical term used almost exclusively in linguistics or language education contexts. You will rarely hear it in casual conversation unless you are specifically discussing grammar or etymology. It functions as a precise academic label rather than a word for everyday life.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
There are two morphemes in this word.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 詞, which refers to a word. Remember that a word can consist of one or more morphemes, but a morpheme is the smallest unit that carries meaning.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
