ngaan5 geng2 se4眼鏡蛇眼镜蛇
Jyutpingngaan5 geng2 se4
Yalengáahn géng sèh
Definition
Cobra; a type of snake characterized by its ability to expand its neck, often marked with eye-like patterns.
neutralanimals
How it's used
This term is a direct loan translation from English, reflecting the visual characteristic of the snake's hood resembling a pair of spectacles. It is the standard way to refer to this specific type of snake in both formal and informal contexts. Unlike some other animals that have unique colloquial names, this name is universally understood and used across all social registers.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
I saw a cobra at the zoo.
Related words
Common phrases
cobra venom
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.
