seon4 gou1唇膏
Jyutpingseon4 gou1
Yalesèuhn gōu
Definition
Lipstick or lip balm; cosmetics or care products applied to the lips to moisturize, shape, or color them.
colloquialshoppingclothing
How it's used
Distinguishing between decorative lipstick and medicinal lip balm is often done by adding the prefix 潤 to create 潤唇膏 for the latter. While 唇膏 is the standard term for colored lipstick, it is frequently used as a catch-all for any lip product applied from a stick. If you are referring to a specific brand or a very expensive product, it is common to use the classifier 支 to emphasize the individual item.
Measure word
zi1支jīExamples
The lipstick you are wearing today looks very nice.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 唇膏 with 潤唇膏, but using 唇膏 for a clear, medicated balm might confuse listeners who expect a pigmented color. Always use 潤唇膏 if the primary purpose is moisturizing rather than cosmetic enhancement.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
