song1 zi2嗓子
Jyutpingsong1 zi2
Yalesōng jí
Definition
The throat, or a person's voice.
- throat; larynx
- voice
colloquialbodyhealth
How it's used
While 嗓子 is widely understood, it is technically a loan from Mandarin and is less native to Cantonese than 喉嚨. When referring to the physical organ, 喉嚨 is the standard choice, whereas 嗓子 is often used to describe the quality or state of one's voice. Using 嗓子 can sometimes sound slightly more literary or affected in a purely Cantonese context.
Measure word
baa2把báExamples
My throat feels very uncomfortable today.
Are you not talking because your throat hurts?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 嗓子 with 喉嚨, but 嗓子 is frequently used to refer to the voice itself, such as when someone has a good singing voice, whereas 喉嚨 is strictly anatomical.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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Classifier
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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.
