syu1書书
Jyutpingsyu1
Yalesyū
Definition
Letter; correspondence.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
Using 書 to mean letter is largely restricted to specific compound words like 情書 or 書信. In everyday spoken Cantonese, people almost exclusively use 信 to refer to a letter. Using 書 on its own to mean letter will sound archaic or confusing to most native speakers.
Measure word
fung1封fūngExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the common meaning of book. Unless you are using it in a formal compound, using 書 to mean letter will be misunderstood as book.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
