sing1 hai6星系
Jyutpingsing1 hai6
Yalesīng haih
Definition
Galaxy; a gravitationally bound system of stars, stellar remnants, interstellar gas, dust, and dark matter.
neutralother
How it's used
Scientific terms like this are often borrowed directly from written Chinese and pronounced with Cantonese readings. While used in academic or formal contexts, it is perfectly acceptable in casual conversation when discussing space or science fiction. It is distinct from 恆星系, which specifically refers to a star system like our own Solar System.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Astronomers have discovered a very distant galaxy.
Do you know what type of galaxy the Milky Way belongs to?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 星系 with 恆星系. Remember that 星系 refers to a massive collection of stars and matter, whereas 恆星系 is a smaller system centered around a star.
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.
