sit3 zim1舌尖
Jyutpingsit3 zim1
Yalesit jīm
Definition
Tip of the tongue.
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How it's used
While 舌尖 is the formal or anatomical term for the tip of the tongue, most Cantonese speakers prefer using 脷尖 in casual, everyday conversation. Using 脷尖 feels much more natural when discussing eating, tasting, or physical sensations. 舌尖 is more likely to appear in written descriptions, medical contexts, or when discussing phonetics.
Examples
I accidentally bit the tip of my tongue while eating.
Related words
Common phrases
on the tip of the tongue
Common mistake
Learners often use 舌尖 in casual speech where 脷尖 is expected, which can sound slightly clinical or overly formal. Remember that 脷 is the standard colloquial word for tongue, so combining it with 尖 is the most natural way to refer to the tip.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
