ngai5蛾
Jyutpingngai5
Yalengáih
Definition
Moth; an insect with feathery antennae that is typically nocturnal and rests with its wings flat.
colloquialanimals
How it's used
Distinguishing between moths and butterflies is often done by observing their resting posture, as moths typically keep their wings spread flat while butterflies fold them vertically. While many people associate them with light sources, they are primarily nocturnal creatures that use moonlight for navigation. The term is straightforward and carries no special slang connotations in everyday speech.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
Related words
Common phrases
moths flying into a flame (idiom for self-destruction)
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
