ling4 haa6零下
Jyutpingling4 haa6
Yalelìhng hah
Definition
Below zero; sub-zero temperature.
neutralweather
How it's used
Used exclusively for temperatures, this term functions as a prefix to the numerical value. It is essential to place it before the number, as reversing the order would be grammatically incorrect in Cantonese. While standard in weather reports, it is also frequently used in casual conversation when discussing travel to colder climates.
Examples
It is minus five degrees today, remember to wear an extra layer.
Related words
Common phrases
ten degrees below zero
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the word 負, which is used for negative numbers in mathematics. While 負五度 is sometimes understood, 零下五度 is the standard and natural way to describe sub-zero temperatures.
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.
