zi2 naam4 zam1指南針指南针
Jyutpingzi2 naam4 zam1
Yalejí nàahm jām
Definition
Compass; an instrument used for finding directions using a magnetic needle.
neutraltravelother
How it's used
Refers specifically to the traditional magnetic tool for navigation, though modern hikers often rely on GPS or smartphone apps instead. The term is rarely used metaphorically in Cantonese to mean a guide or mentor, unlike in some other languages where compass can imply a moral or strategic direction.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Did you bring a compass for your hike?
This compass is broken and cannot point in the right direction.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse this with 羅盤, which is a specialized geomantic compass used in Feng Shui. While both point directions, 指南針 is for general navigation, whereas 羅盤 carries strong cultural and ritualistic connotations.
Grammar color guide
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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).
