kwan2菌
Jyutpingkwan2
Yalekwán
Definition
Bacteria or germ; single-celled microorganisms that can cause disease or be harmless.
colloquialhealthdaily actions
How it's used
Refers specifically to harmful microorganisms or bacteria that cause illness in a colloquial context. While technically a broader biological term, everyday speech uses this word almost exclusively to express disgust or concern about hygiene. It is rarely used to describe edible mushrooms, which are referred to as 菇.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
There are many germs here, remember to wash your hands.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this word to refer to mushrooms you eat, as that would imply they are contaminated or infectious. Use 菇 instead for culinary contexts.
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.
