nai4 can4泥塵泥尘
Jyutpingnai4 can4
Yalenàih chàhn
Definition
Dust; dirt.
colloquialhomedescriptions
How it's used
While 泥塵 specifically refers to dirt and dust mixed together, it is often used interchangeably with 塵 to describe general household dust. It carries a slightly more tactile feel than the simple 塵, emphasizing the gritty or earthy nature of the particles. You will frequently hear it used when complaining about construction sites or neglected rooms.
Examples
There is so much dust here, I can't wipe it clean no matter how much I try.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 泥土, which refers to soil or earth used for gardening. Using 泥塵 to describe garden soil will sound unnatural as it specifically implies unwanted, messy particles that need cleaning.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
