wong4 kei4黃蜞黄蜞
Jyutpingwong4 kei4
Yalewòhng kèih
Definition
Leech.
colloquialanimalsnature
How it's used
This term is the specific Cantonese name for a leech, whereas 水蛭 is the more formal or scientific term used in written Chinese. It is primarily used by people who spend time in rural areas or hiking trails where these creatures are found. Using this word instead of the formal term adds a layer of local authenticity to your speech.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
Be careful of leeches when you go hiking.
Related words
Common phrases
bitten by a leech
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with other crawling insects or worms, as it specifically refers to the blood-sucking aquatic or semi-aquatic annelid. It is not a general term for any worm found in the mud.
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.
