zau1 zai3洲際洲际
Jyutpingzau1 zai3
Yalejāu jai
Definition
Intercontinental; between or across continents.
neutraltransportother
How it's used
This term is almost exclusively used in technical or formal contexts, such as aviation, military technology, or international hotel branding. It functions as a modifier rather than a standalone noun, so it must be paired with another noun to make sense in a sentence. You will rarely hear it in casual daily conversation unless discussing specific global travel or news topics.
Examples
This is an intercontinental flight.
Have you heard of intercontinental missiles before?
Related words
Common phrases
intercontinental missile
intercontinental flight
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the word 洲, which refers to a continent itself. Learners sometimes mistakenly use 洲際 as a noun to mean 'a continent,' but it only describes the relationship between continents.
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.
