zam1 mak1針嘜针唛
Jyutpingzam1 mak1
Yalejām māk
Definition
Roll-your-own tobacco or cigarette.
colloquialother
How it's used
This term is a direct phonetic loan from the English phrase "shag tobacco," which refers to the fine-cut loose tobacco used for rolling cigarettes. It is specifically used by smokers to distinguish loose tobacco from pre-manufactured cigarettes, which are usually called 煙仔. The term carries a slightly old-school or niche connotation compared to modern vaping or standard cigarettes.
Measure word
baau1包bāuExamples
He bought a pack of RYO tobacco to roll at home.
Related words
Common phrases
to roll a cigarette
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the word for a sewing needle, which is also written as 針. The context of smoking makes the meaning clear, but it is not a literal translation of needle-related concepts.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
