maa1螞蚂
Jyutpingmaa1
Yalemā
Definition
Dragonfly.
colloquialanimalsnature
How it's used
While 螞 is used in some regional dialects to refer to a dragonfly, it is extremely rare in modern Hong Kong Cantonese. Most native speakers will exclusively use 蜻蜓 to refer to the insect. Using 螞 on its own might confuse listeners as it sounds like the beginning of 螞蟻, which means ant.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
Related words
Common phrases
dragonfly skimming the water surface
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 螞蟻, which is the standard word for ant. Using 螞 alone to mean dragonfly is likely to be misunderstood by locals.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
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Classifier
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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.
