jyu6 fong4 zam1預防針预防针
Jyutpingjyu6 fong4 zam1
Yaleyuh fòhng jām
Definition
Vaccine; an immunizing injection.
colloquialhealth
How it's used
While 疫苗 is the formal term used in news and medical contexts, 預防針 is the standard way to refer to vaccines in daily conversation. It literally translates to 'prevention needle', reflecting the common practice of referring to the injection process itself rather than the biological substance. You will almost always hear it paired with the verb 打, as in 打針.
Measure word
zi1支jīExamples
Related words
Common phrases
to get vaccinated
Common mistake
Do not use 預防針 to refer to a medical treatment or cure for an existing illness. It is strictly for preventative measures taken before infection occurs.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Classifier
Particle
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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.
