lin4 faa1蓮花莲花
Jyutpinglin4 faa1
Yalelìhn fā
Definition
Lotus; an aquatic plant with large floating leaves, edible rhizomes, and large flowers.
neutralnature
How it's used
Refers specifically to the flower itself, whereas the plant as a whole is often referred to by its edible parts like 蓮藕 or 蓮子. It carries a strong cultural association with purity and Buddhism, frequently appearing in traditional art and temple decorations. While botanically distinct from the water lily, the term is sometimes used loosely in casual speech to describe similar aquatic flowers.
Measure word
do2朵dóExamples
There are many lotus flowers in the park.
Do you see that the lotus flower in the pond has bloomed?
Related words
Common phrases
lotus pond
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 荷花, which is the more common term used in daily life to refer to the same plant and flower. While 蓮花 is perfectly correct, you will hear 荷花 much more often when talking about the plant in a garden or pond.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
