kam4 lou4蠄蟧
Jyutpingkam4 lou4
Yalekàhm lòuh
Definition
Spider; an eight-legged arachnid.
colloquialanimals
How it's used
This is the authentic, everyday Cantonese term for spider, whereas 蜘蛛 is considered a more formal or literary word borrowed from written Chinese. Using 蠄蟧 in casual conversation sounds much more natural and local. It is often used in the phrase 蠄蟧網 to refer specifically to spider webs.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
There is a huge spider in the corner of the wall.
Are you afraid of spiders?
Related words
Common phrases
spider web
Common mistake
Learners often default to 蜘蛛 because they see it in textbooks, but using it in casual speech can sound slightly stiff or like you are reading from a book. Stick to 蠄蟧 when talking to friends or family.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
