seoi2 gaat6 zaat6水甴曱
Jyutpingseoi2 gaat6 zaat6
Yaleséui gaaht jaaht
Definition
Predaceous diving beetle (family Dytiscidae).
colloquialanimalsnature
How it's used
The name literally combines the word for water with the colloquial term for cockroach, reflecting how these beetles resemble small, aquatic versions of the common pest. While technically referring to the Dytiscidae family, it is often used loosely by locals to describe various small, dark, swimming insects found in ponds or stagnant water. It is a very specific term that you will mostly hear from people who spend time in nature or rural areas.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
There is a predaceous diving beetle inside the water tank.
Related words
Common phrases
to catch predaceous diving beetles
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 曱甴, which is the standard term for a common cockroach. Using the two parts in the wrong order will make you sound like you are talking about a bug that lives on land rather than in the water.
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.
