syu1樗
Jyutpingsyu1
Yalesyū
Definition
The tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), or a type of silkworm that feeds on its leaves.
- literarythe tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
- technicala type of silkworm that feeds on the leaves of this tree
writtennature
How it's used
Literary and botanical in nature, this term is rarely used in daily conversation. It often appears in classical Chinese literature to describe something useless or of little value, based on the Zhuangzi parable about the tree that cannot be used for timber. Most native speakers would only encounter it in formal education or specific academic contexts.
Measure word
po1樖pōExamples
Related words
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
