zam1 sin3針線针线
Jyutpingzam1 sin3
Yalejām sin
Definition
Needle and thread; sewing materials.
colloquialhomedaily actions
How it's used
Refers collectively to the tools used for sewing rather than just the individual items. It often appears in contexts involving domestic chores or traditional crafts. The term carries a slightly old-fashioned or nostalgic feel, as it is less commonly used in modern urban settings where people rarely mend their own clothes.
Measure word
tou3套touExamples
She really likes doing needlework.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to refer to a single needle or a single piece of thread, as it specifically denotes the set of tools for sewing. If you need to specify one, use 針 or 線 individually.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
