sau3 kau4繡球绣球
Jyutpingsau3 kau4
Yalesau kàuh
Definition
A decorative ball made of colorful fabric, used in traditional matchmaking and communal customs.
neutralnaturefestival
How it's used
Refers both to the traditional fabric ball used in courtship rituals and the common garden plant. When used for the plant, it is almost always followed by 花 to avoid confusion with the cultural object. The cultural object is deeply tied to historical folklore and is rarely encountered outside of period dramas or specific cultural festivals.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
There are always scenes of throwing the embroidered ball to choose a husband in period dramas.
Do you know where one can buy these hydrangeas?
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with a bridal bouquet. While both involve throwing, 繡球 carries specific historical and cultural connotations of arranged marriage or courtship rituals, whereas a modern wedding bouquet is a Western import.
Grammar color guide
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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.
