mat6 tai2物體物体
Jyutpingmat6 tai2
Yalemaht tái
Definition
An inanimate physical object, body, or substance with a stable shape.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
Use this term primarily in scientific, formal, or descriptive contexts when referring to inanimate matter. In casual daily speech, Hong Kongers almost always prefer using specific nouns or the generic 嘢 to describe items, as this word sounds quite clinical or academic.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
This object is very strange, I wonder what it is?
There are many different objects inside the laboratory.
Related words
Common phrases
unidentified flying object (UFO)
Common mistake
Avoid using this word to describe living things, as it strictly refers to inanimate matter. Using it for people or animals will sound dehumanizing or like you are referring to them as mere specimens.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
