zi2 ging1紫荊紫荆
Jyutpingzi2 ging1
Yalejí gīng
Definition
Hong Kong orchid tree (Bauhinia blakeana), the floral emblem of Hong Kong.
neutralnature
How it's used
Refers specifically to the Bauhinia blakeana, which is iconic in Hong Kong as the emblem on the flag and coins. While the botanical name is 洋紫荊, locals often shorten it to 紫荊 in casual conversation or when referring to the flower's image. It carries a strong sense of local identity and civic pride.
Measure word
do2朵dóExamples
The city flower of Hong Kong is the Bauhinia.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the mainland Chinese term 紫荊, which often refers to the Cercis chinensis or Judas tree, a completely different plant species. Always use 洋紫荊 if you want to be precise about the Hong Kong flower to avoid botanical confusion.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
