tong1 cyun1湯川汤川
Jyutpingtong1 cyun1
Yaletōng chyūn
Definition
Yukawa; an obsolete unit of length equal to 10⁻¹⁵ meters, used for measuring atomic distances.
neutralother
How it's used
Scientific units named after physicists are rarely used in casual Cantonese conversation. Most people in Hong Kong would use the standard metric term 飛米 or simply refer to the scientific notation when discussing subatomic scales. Using this term outside of a physics classroom or technical context will likely confuse the listener.
Examples
This distance is approximately one Yukawa.
Related words
Common phrases
one Yukawa
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the surname 湯川 often seen in Japanese names. In a scientific context, it is strictly a unit of length, whereas in other contexts, it is a proper noun.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Classifier
Particle
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
