naam4 bak1南北
Jyutpingnaam4 bak1
Yalenàahm bāk
Definition
North and south; the southern and northern parts of a region.
colloquialplaces
How it's used
Often used in the context of food or medicine, such as 南北杏 which refers to a specific mix of sweet and bitter apricot kernels. It functions as a collective term to describe the entirety of a region or the contrast between two geographic extremes. When used in casual conversation, it emphasizes the breadth or variety of something spanning across different areas.
Examples
They have relatives living in both the north and the south.
Do you prefer going to the north or the south to hang out?
Related words
Common phrases
sweet and bitter apricot kernels
North and South Poles
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.
