min4 joeng2綿羊绵羊
Jyutpingmin4 joeng2
Yalemìhn yéung
Definition
Sheep or lamb; a domesticated animal with thick wool, short curved horns, and a long tail.
neutralanimals
How it's used
Distinguishing between sheep and goats is common in agricultural contexts, but in daily life, people often use the generic term 羊 for both. Using the specific term 綿羊 emphasizes the animal's thick, woolly coat compared to the coarser hair of a mountain goat. It is frequently associated with the bedtime habit of counting sheep to induce sleepiness.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
There are many sheep in the farm.
Related words
Common phrases
counting sheep
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 山羊, which refers to a goat. While both are types of 羊, they have distinct physical characteristics and are not interchangeable in a farming or biological context.
Grammar color guide
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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.
