loeng4量
Definition
To measure a physical quantity such as length, height, or temperature.
How it's used
While 量 is the standard written character for measuring, in everyday spoken Cantonese, people often prefer using 度 or 度下 to describe the act of measuring physical dimensions. Using 量 can sometimes sound slightly more formal or technical, similar to how one might use a measuring tool in a professional or DIY context. When talking about body measurements specifically, it is very common to hear people say 度身 instead of 量身.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse the verb 量 with the noun 量, which refers to quantity or volume. Remember that the verb is pronounced with a different tone in spoken Cantonese, and using it incorrectly in a sentence can lead to confusion between the action of measuring and the concept of an amount.
Grammar color guide
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.
