zau1 zip3舟楫
Jyutpingzau1 zip3
Yalejāu jip
Definition
Vessels, boats, or ships as a collective means of water transportation.
writtentransport
How it's used
This term is a formal, literary expression for boats or water transport, rooted in classical Chinese. It is rarely used in everyday spoken Cantonese, appearing mostly in written descriptions of historical trade, geography, or poetic contexts. Using it in a casual conversation would sound overly dramatic or archaic.
Examples
Vessels used to travel back and forth here very frequently.
The benefits of water transport are very important for trade.
Related words
Common phrases
ships traveling back and forth
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common noun like 船, but it is a literary collective term that functions more like an abstract concept of water transport rather than a specific boat.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
