mut6 lei2茉莉
Jyutpingmut6 lei2
Yalemuht léi
Definition
Arabian jasmine; Jasminum sambac, a species of shrub in the olive family.
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How it's used
Refers specifically to the plant or the flower itself, but is almost always paired with 花 when discussing the scent or tea. While the plant is common in gardens, the term is most frequently encountered in the context of beverages or aromatherapy. It carries a delicate and fragrant connotation, often associated with relaxation and traditional tea culture.
Measure word
po1樖pōExamples
There are many jasmines planted here, it smells so good.
Do you like the taste of jasmine tea?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse the plant name with the tea variety, but remember that 茉莉 usually refers to the flower or plant, whereas 茉莉花茶 is the standard way to refer to the drink.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
