lou5 syu2老鼠
Jyutpinglou5 syu2
Yalelóuh syú
Definition
Rat or mouse; common rodent pests found in cities and farms.
colloquialanimals
How it's used
Refers specifically to the common urban pests that scurry around sewers and buildings. While technically covering both mice and rats, it is almost exclusively used for the larger, more problematic rodents that people want to get rid of. It is also frequently used metaphorically to describe someone who is sneaky or untrustworthy.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
It looks like a rat ran past over in the kitchen.
Do you have rats in your house?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 鼠, which is the formal or literary term used in zodiac signs or scientific contexts. Using 鼠 in casual conversation to refer to a pest in your house sounds unnatural and overly formal.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
