saa1 sim4沙蟬沙蝉
Jyutpingsaa1 sim4
Yalesā sìhm
Definition
Cicada; a type of insect known for its loud buzzing sound.
colloquialanimalsnature
How it's used
Refers specifically to the common cicadas heard during the humid Hong Kong summer months. The term is often used in the context of the countryside or parks where the loud, rhythmic buzzing serves as a natural alarm for the arrival of the hottest season. It is a culturally evocative sound that marks the transition of the year.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
In the summer, the cicadas in the park are chirping very loudly.
Related words
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.
