jyun1 joeng1鴛鴦鸳鸯
Jyutpingjyun1 joeng1
Yaleyūn yēung
Definition
Mandarin duck, often used figuratively to refer to an affectionate couple.
colloquialanimalsfood
How it's used
Beyond the bird, this term is iconic in Hong Kong for the signature drink mixing coffee and milk tea. When used to describe people, it implies a couple that is inseparable, often used in a slightly teasing or affectionate tone. It carries a strong cultural association with harmony and romantic attachment.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
There are two mandarin ducks swimming in the park pond.
You two are always stuck together like a pair of lovebirds.
Related words
Common phrases
to drink coffee-tea mix
mandarin ducks playing in water
Common mistake
Do not confuse the bird or the romantic metaphor with the drink. If you are at a cafe, ordering 鴛鴦 refers exclusively to the beverage, not the animal.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
