zek3 zeoi1脊椎
Jyutpingzek3 zeoi1
Yalejek jēui
Definition
Backbone, spine, or vertebral column.
neutralbodyhealth
How it's used
Refers specifically to the anatomical structure of the vertebral column, whereas the more common colloquial term for the back area itself is 背脊. While 脊椎 is the formal medical term, it is frequently used in everyday conversation when discussing posture, back pain, or sports injuries. It is almost exclusively used in formal or semi-formal contexts, such as when visiting a doctor or discussing health advice.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
If your sitting posture is bad, you can easily injure your spine.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 脊椎 with 背脊. Use 背脊 when referring to the general area of the back, but use 脊椎 when referring specifically to the bony column or vertebrae inside.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
