toi4 ji1苔衣
Jyutpingtoi4 ji1
Yaletòih yī
Definition
Moss, a spread of lichens, or a Buddhist priest's robe.
- moss; a spread of lichens
- literarya Buddhist priest's robe
colloquialnature
How it's used
Refers specifically to the thin, velvety layer of moss or lichen that grows on damp surfaces like stones or walls. While it can technically refer to a priest's robe in literary contexts, you will almost never hear it used that way in daily life. It carries a slightly more descriptive or poetic feel than the more common word 青苔.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the general term for moss, 青苔, which is the standard word used in almost all everyday situations. Using 苔衣 to describe moss on a garden path might sound overly formal or literary to a native speaker.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
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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.
