sou3 gaau1塑膠塑胶
Jyutpingsou3 gaau1
Yalesou gāau
Definition
Plastic; synthetic resin.
neutralother
How it's used
While 塑膠 is the standard technical term for plastic, everyday speech often uses the loanword 膠 to refer to plastic items or materials. Using 膠 on its own can sometimes carry a slang meaning related to being silly or foolish, so sticking to 塑膠 is safer in formal or descriptive contexts.
Measure word
zung3種jungExamples
This box is made of plastic.
Are you still using plastic straws?
Related words
Common mistake
Beginners often confuse 塑膠 with 膠紙, which specifically refers to adhesive tape or scotch tape, not plastic material in general.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
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.
