maa5 daat6馬達马达
Jyutpingmaa5 daat6
Yalemáh daaht
Definition
Motor.
neutraltechnology
How it's used
While 馬達 is understood in technical or formal contexts, most Hong Kongers use the loanword 摩打 in daily speech. Using 馬達 can sound slightly more mechanical or academic, similar to the difference between saying 'engine' and 'motor' in specific engineering contexts.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Do you know where they sell motors?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often default to 馬達 because it looks like standard written Chinese, but you will sound much more natural and local using 摩打 when talking about household appliances or general machinery.
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.
