mei4 sang1 mat6微生物
Jyutpingmei4 sang1 mat6
Yalemèih sāng maht
Definition
Microorganism or microbe, a broad biological classification including bacteria, archaea, and certain protists, fungi, and algae.
neutralotherhealth
How it's used
Microorganisms are typically discussed in scientific or academic contexts rather than casual daily conversation. When referring to them in a non-technical way, people often use the more general term 細菌 to cover most invisible organisms, even if technically inaccurate. Using the full term 微生物 signals a more formal or educational tone.
Measure word
zung3種jungExamples
There are so many microbes here that it's terrifying.
Do you know how microorganisms survive?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using 微生物 to refer to visible insects or small pests. It is strictly reserved for microscopic life forms that require a microscope to see.
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.
