maau1 ngaan5貓眼猫眼
Jyutpingmaau1 ngaan5
Yalemāau ngáahn
Definition
Cat's eye gemstone; a type of crystal symbolising good luck.
neutralother
How it's used
Refers specifically to the chatoyant gemstone known as chrysoberyl cat's eye, rather than the reflective road safety markers found on streets. It is often associated with luck and protection in traditional jewelry contexts. When shopping for jewelry, it is common to hear it described by its distinct light band effect.
Measure word
nap1粒nāpExamples
Her ring is set with a cat's eye gemstone.
Do you think this cat's eye is pretty?
Related words
Common phrases
cat's eye stone
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the road safety device, which is also called 貓眼 in some contexts but refers to a completely different object. Context is essential to distinguish between the precious stone and the traffic reflector.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
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.
