saam1 tiu4三條三条
Jyutpingsaam1 tiu4
Yalesāam tìuh
Definition
Three pieces of long, thin objects; three sticks, stripes, or bars.
colloquialdaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
條 is the most versatile classifier for long, thin, or flexible objects. It is used for items ranging from physical objects like roads and ropes to abstract concepts like news or suggestions. When counting, the number three is specifically pronounced as saam1 in this context.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use 個 for everything, but using 個 for long, thin objects like fish or pants sounds unnatural. Always prioritize 條 for items that have a distinct length.
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.
