ngoi6 pei4外皮
Jyutpingngoi6 pei4
Yalengoih pèih
Definition
Skin, peel, rind, or the outer surface of an object.
colloquialfooddescriptions
How it's used
Refers specifically to the outermost layer of an object or food, often implying a protective or decorative shell. Unlike the more general term 表面 which can refer to any flat surface or abstract exterior, 外皮 focuses on the physical skin or casing that can be peeled or touched. It is frequently used when discussing the texture of food or the condition of manufactured goods.
Measure word
cang4層chànghRelated words
Common mistake
Do not use this for human skin, which is always 皮膚. Using 外皮 for a person sounds like you are describing them as a piece of fruit or an object.
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.
