mou4 cung4毛蟲毛虫
Jyutpingmou4 cung4
Yalemòuh chùhng
Definition
Caterpillar; the hairy larva of a lepidopteran insect.
colloquialanimalsnature
How it's used
Refers specifically to the larval stage of butterflies and moths. While the name implies hairiness, it is used for most smooth or spiky larvae found in gardens as well. It is often used in metaphors regarding transformation or growth.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
There are many caterpillars on the tree.
Do you feel scared when you see a caterpillar?
Related words
Common phrases
caterpillar turns into a butterfly
Common mistake
Avoid confusing this with 蟲, which is a generic term for any insect or worm. Using 毛蟲 for a common house fly or a beetle would be incorrect as it specifically describes the caterpillar form.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
