saang1 fei1 zi1生飛螆生飞螆
Jyutpingsaang1 fei1 zi1
Yalesāang fēi jī
Definition
To get canker sores or mouth ulcers.
colloquialhealthbody
How it's used
This term is the standard colloquial way to refer to a mouth ulcer in Hong Kong. It is often associated with the concept of heatiness in traditional Chinese medicine, where people believe consuming too much fried or spicy food triggers these sores. You will frequently hear people complain about it after a period of poor sleep or stress.
Measure word
nap1粒nāpExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal insect, as the term uses the word for a type of flea or louse metaphorically to describe the stinging, itchy sensation of the ulcer. It is strictly a noun phrase and cannot be used as a verb to describe the act of causing an ulcer.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
