jyun4猿
Jyutpingjyun4
Yaleyùhn
Definition
An ape; any tailless primate of the superfamily Hominoidea.
neutralanimals
How it's used
Scientific precision is rarely observed in casual conversation, where people almost exclusively use 馬騮 to refer to any primate. Using 猿 specifically signals a biological distinction, usually in an educational or documentary context. It is not a word you would encounter in everyday street talk unless discussing evolutionary biology.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
That ape in the zoo is huge.
Do you know the difference between an ape and a monkey?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use 猿 to describe a common monkey, as it sounds overly formal or biologically incorrect to a native speaker. Stick to 馬騮 for general sightings of monkeys in the wild or at the zoo.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
