ling4翎
Jyutpingling4
Yalelìhng
Definition
Feather or plume of a bird.
writtenanimalsdescriptions
How it's used
Refers specifically to long, decorative, or stiff feathers rather than the soft down found on a bird's body. It is rarely used in everyday speech and is mostly encountered in literary contexts, historical dramas, or when describing the plumage of exotic birds. Using it to describe common chicken or duck feathers would sound overly formal or poetic.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 羽毛, which is the general, neutral term for feathers. Using 翎 in casual conversation to describe ordinary feathers can make you sound like you are reciting a poem or script.
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.
