se2 zan1寫真写真
Jyutpingse2 zan1
Yalesé jān
Definition
A portrait photograph or photobook of an artist or model.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Unlike the Japanese term which refers to any photograph, this word in Cantonese is almost exclusively reserved for professional, high-quality portrait collections of celebrities or models. It carries a specific association with the entertainment industry and commercial photography rather than casual snapshots. When referring to everyday photos, use 相 instead.
Measure word
bun2本búnExamples
Related words
Common phrases
photobook
Common mistake
Do not use this word to describe your own casual photos or family pictures, as it will sound like you are claiming to be a professional model or celebrity.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
