zi2 lo4 laan4紫羅蘭紫罗兰
Jyutpingzi2 lo4 laan4
Yalejí lòh làahn
Definition
Violet or hoary stock; flowering plants known for their purple-blue or multi-colored scented blossoms.
- violet (genus Viola); a herbaceous plant with five-petaled purple-blue flowers
- hoary stock (Matthiola incana); a herbaceous or woody plant with four-petaled flowers
neutralnature
How it's used
People in Hong Kong often use this term to refer to the common violet found in gardens or sold in pots, rather than the botanical Matthiola incana. It is frequently associated with its distinct purple color and pleasant fragrance in casual conversation. When buying them, you will almost always hear them referred to by the measure word 盆.
Measure word
pun4盆pùnhExamples
Do you like the scent of violets?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the flower known as 蘭花, which refers to orchids. While both contain the character 蘭, they belong to completely different plant families and look nothing alike.
Grammar color guide
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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.
