tin1 zuk1 syu2天竺鼠
Jyutpingtin1 zuk1 syu2
Yaletīn jūk syú
Definition
Guinea pig; a domesticated rodent originating from South America.
colloquialanimals
How it's used
People in Hong Kong often use the term 豚鼠 interchangeably with 天竺鼠, though the latter is more common in pet shops and casual conversation. It is a popular small pet choice for families living in apartments due to their relatively quiet nature compared to other rodents.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
Do you know what kind of vegetables guinea pigs like to eat?
Related words
Common phrases
to keep a guinea pig
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 倉鼠, which refers to hamsters. While both are small rodents, they have different care requirements and physical characteristics that locals distinguish clearly.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
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.
