seoi2 sing1水星
Jyutpingseoi2 sing1
Yaleséui sīng
Definition
Mercury; the smallest and innermost planet in the solar system.
neutralnature
How it's used
Despite the literal meaning of water star, Mercury is actually an extremely hot and dry planet with no liquid water on its surface. The name originates from the Five Elements system where it is associated with the element of water, rather than any physical characteristics of the planet itself.
Measure word
nap1粒nāpExamples
Astronomers say Mercury is the smallest planet in the solar system.
Do you know if Mercury is the closest to the sun?
Related words
Common phrases
Mercury probe
Common mistake
Learners often confuse the name with the English word mercury used for the liquid metal, which is called 水銀 in Cantonese.
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.
