mei5 baa1尾巴
Jyutpingmei5 baa1
Yaleméih bā
Definition
Tail of an animal.
colloquialanimals
How it's used
While 尾巴 is understood, Cantonese speakers almost exclusively use 尾 to refer to the tail of an animal. Using 尾巴 can sound slightly literary or like a direct translation from Mandarin. It is much more natural to pair 尾 with a measure word like 條 when describing its length or movement.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhRelated words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use 尾巴 in everyday speech where 尾 is sufficient. Additionally, remember that 尾 is also used metaphorically for the end of something, like 隊尾 for the end of a queue.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
