zau1鵃鸼
Jyutpingzau1
Yalejāu
Definition
An ancient name for a type of bird.
writtenanimalsnature
How it's used
This character is almost exclusively found in classical literature or historical texts rather than modern speech. It refers to a specific bird mentioned in ancient Chinese mythology and poetry, often associated with the cuckoo or similar species. Most native speakers will not recognize this character in daily life and would likely treat it as an obscure literary term.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
You often see this type of bird in ancient books.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not attempt to use this in casual conversation as it will sound extremely unnatural or confusing. It is strictly a literary term and has no place in modern spoken Cantonese.
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.
