sing1 hou6星號星号
Jyutpingsing1 hou6
Yalesīng houh
Definition
Asterisk; the symbol "*"
neutralother
How it's used
While technically referring to the symbol, people often use the word 星 to refer to the asterisk itself in casual speech. Using the full term 星號 is more common in formal or written contexts, such as when explaining instructions or pointing out footnotes in a document.
Measure word
nap1粒nāpExamples
Why is there an asterisk in this sentence?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often forget that 星號 is a noun and requires a measure word like 粒 or 個 when counting them, rather than just using the symbol directly as a verb.
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.
