mat6 zat1物質物质
Jyutpingmat6 zat1
Yalemaht jāt
Definition
Matter or substance, as opposed to energy, consciousness, or soul.
neutralother
How it's used
Used primarily in scientific, academic, or formal contexts to describe physical materials or chemical compounds. While it can appear in discussions about material possessions, it lacks the casual feel of words like 嘢 or 雜物. It is rarely used in everyday casual conversation unless discussing specific scientific topics or philosophical concepts.
Measure word
zung3種jungExamples
This substance is very dangerous, don't touch it.
Scientists are studying the properties of this substance.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the Mandarin-influenced usage of material wealth, but in Cantonese, it is strictly reserved for physical matter or substances. Using it to describe someone's personal belongings or general stuff sounds unnatural and overly formal.
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.
