ngok6 jyu4鱷魚鳄鱼
Jyutpingngok6 jyu4
Yalengohk yùh
Definition
Crocodile, alligator, or crocodilian in general; a semi-aquatic reptile with short legs, a tail, and scales.
neutralanimals
How it's used
Often used metaphorically in the phrase 鱷魚淚 to describe fake or insincere tears. It functions as a standard noun for the animal but carries a strong association with danger and predatory behavior in local idioms.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
That crocodile at the zoo is huge.
Related words
Common phrases
crocodile tears
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 鱷魚 with 蜥蜴, which refers to smaller lizards. While both are reptiles, 鱷魚 specifically implies the large, dangerous aquatic predators.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
