syu1 cung4書蟲书虫
Jyutpingsyu1 cung4
Yalesyū chùhng
Definition
Bookworm, referring either to the silverfish insect or a person obsessed with reading.
- silverfish; a small, silvery insect that infests and damages books and clothing
- bookworm; a person who is obsessed with reading books
colloquialpeopleanimals
How it's used
Refers both to the literal insect, often called silverfish, and metaphorically to a person who loves reading. When used for a person, it carries a slightly affectionate or teasing tone, similar to calling someone a nerd in English. It is distinct from the Mandarin term 書呆子, which carries a stronger negative connotation of being socially inept or impractical.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
He is always hiding in the library, he is a real bookworm.
There are many silverfish in the bookcase, the books are all ruined.
Related words
Common phrases
to be a bookworm
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with a literal worm, as it specifically refers to small insects like silverfish. When using it to describe a person, ensure the context makes it clear you are referring to their passion for reading rather than an infestation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
