siu2 leon4小輪小轮
Jyutpingsiu2 leon4
Yalesíu lèuhn
Definition
Ferry; a small passenger boat that typically travels back and forth between specific piers.
colloquialtransport
How it's used
Refers specifically to smaller passenger vessels, most famously the Star Ferry in Hong Kong. While technically a type of boat, it is almost exclusively used in the context of public transport routes across the harbour or to outlying islands. It carries a nostalgic connotation for many locals as a traditional and scenic way to travel.
Measure word
gaa3架gaExamples
Shall we take the ferry to cross the harbour?
The previous ferry just departed.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with generic terms for large ships or cargo vessels. It is specifically for passenger transport, so using it for a container ship would sound incorrect.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
