saau3 zi2哨子
Jyutpingsaau3 zi2
Yalesaau jí
Definition
A whistle; an instrument used to make a sharp, high-pitched sound.
colloquialsportsdaily actions
How it's used
Refers specifically to the physical tool used for signaling or sports. While it functions as a noun, it is frequently paired with the verb 吹 to describe the action of producing sound. It is distinct from the act of whistling with one's mouth, which is referred to as 吹口哨.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
The referee blew the whistle once, and the match started.
Related words
Common phrases
to blow a whistle
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 吹口哨, which refers to the act of whistling with your lips. Using 哨子 to describe the act of whistling with your mouth is incorrect as it specifically denotes the physical object.
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.
