maa5 kwong4 long4馬狂螂马狂螂
Jyutpingmaa5 kwong4 long4
Yalemáh kwòhng lòhng
Definition
Mantis; praying mantis.
colloquialanimals
How it's used
The term 馬狂螂 is a colloquial variant for 螳螂, often used in spoken Cantonese to refer to the insect. It carries a slightly more informal or regional feel compared to the standard written term. Using it in casual conversation is perfectly natural when describing insects found in gardens or parks.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
There is a mantis in the bushes.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners should be aware that 螳螂 is the standard term used in formal writing and dictionaries. While 馬狂螂 is understood, it is less common in written contexts and might be considered a non-standard or dialectal variation depending on the speaker's background.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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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.
