to4鼉鼍
Jyutpingto4
Yaletòh
Definition
Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis), or a water lizard.
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How it's used
Literary and scientific contexts are the primary domains for this term, as it is rarely used in casual daily conversation. Most native speakers would refer to the animal using the more common term 揚子鱷 instead. It is primarily encountered in formal writing, historical texts, or specialized biological discussions.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
This type of Chinese alligator is rarely seen, usually only found in wetlands.
Do you know that the Chinese alligator is actually a very precious animal?
Related words
Common phrases
a mythical creature often associated with the alligator
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 蜥蜴, which is the general term for lizards. Using 鼉 in a casual setting might sound overly formal or archaic to many listeners.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
