jyun4圓圆
Jyutpingjyun4
Yaleyùhn
Definition
Circle.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
While 圓 is the root character for circular concepts, it is rarely used as a standalone noun in spoken Cantonese. Instead, speakers almost always use the compound 圓形 to describe the shape or 圓圈 when referring to the object itself. Using 圓 alone often sounds overly formal or literary, reminiscent of written Chinese rather than natural speech.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
This cookie is circular.
Can you draw a circle for me to see?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to use 圓 as a direct translation for the English noun 'circle' in all contexts, but it is primarily an adjective or a bound morpheme. Always add 形 or 圈 to make it sound natural in daily conversation.
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.
