ng4 gung1蜈蚣
Jyutpingng4 gung1
Yaleǹgh gūng
Definition
Centipede; a venomous, many-legged arthropod with a long, segmented body.
neutralanimalsnature
How it's used
People often mistakenly group centipedes with insects, but they belong to the class Chilopoda. In casual conversation, they are frequently associated with fear or disgust due to their appearance and venomous nature. You will rarely talk about them unless you are warning someone or discussing nature.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
There is a centipede in the bushes, I'm so scared!
Related words
Common phrases
centipede bite
Common mistake
Do not confuse 蜈蚣 with 蚯蚓, which is an earthworm. While both are long and thin, only the former has legs and venom.
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.
