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Definition
The smallest military unit; a metaphor for the military itself.
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How it's used
Functions primarily as a bound morpheme in formal or institutional contexts rather than as a standalone noun in daily speech. It is almost exclusively encountered in compound words related to military service, such as joining or leaving the armed forces.
Examples
He just joined the military and rarely comes home.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this as a general term for soldiers or the military in casual conversation, as it sounds overly formal or archaic. Use 軍隊 or 當兵 instead for everyday discussions about military life.
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.
