ng5 zi2五指
Jyutpingng5 zi2
Yaleńgh jí
Definition
The five fingers of a hand.
neutralbody
How it's used
While literally meaning five fingers, this term is rarely used in casual conversation to describe the anatomy of a hand. Instead, people almost exclusively use 手指 to refer to fingers in general. Using 五指 often sounds like a count or a specific reference to the number of digits rather than the body part itself.
Measure word
deoi3對deuiExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use this when they simply mean fingers, but it sounds overly formal or like a mathematical count. Use 手指 for the body part and reserve 五指 for contexts where the number five is the primary focus.
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.
