ngaan4 sik1顏色颜色
Jyutpingngaan4 sik1
Yalengàahn sīk
Definition
Colour; the visual and psychological perception of light emitted or reflected by matter.
Example
nei5你zeoi3最zung1鍾ji3意me1咩ngaan4顏sik1色？
nei5你zeoi3最zung1钟ji3意me1咩ngaan4颜sik1色？
What's your favorite color?
neutralcoloursdescriptions
How it's used
While 顏色 is the standard term for colour, Cantonese speakers often prefer using the shorter form 色 when referring to specific hues or when the context is already clear. It is very common to use the measure word 隻 or 種 before 顏色 to specify the variety or type of colour being discussed.
Measure word
zung3種jungExamples
Which colour do you like more?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use the Mandarin-style measure word 個 or even omit the measure word entirely. Always remember to use 隻 or 種 when counting colours to sound natural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
