leng4零
Jyutpingleng4
Yalelèhng
Definition
Used after a base numeral or classifier to express a small, remaining approximate quantity.
colloquialnumberstime
How it's used
Attaching this suffix to a number or classifier indicates a small, indefinite amount in addition to the base value. It functions similarly to saying 'a little over' or 'a few more' in English. It is most commonly heard with time units like 鐘 or monetary units like 蚊.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the number zero. It is strictly a suffix for approximation and cannot be used to represent the digit zero in a mathematical context.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
