zi6字
Jyutpingzi6
Yalejih
Definition
Character; word; written symbol used to record language.
neutralcommunication
How it's used
Distinguish between 字 as a single character and 詞 as a multi-character word. When asking about the meaning of a term, speakers often use 詞語 or 意思 instead of just 字 to avoid ambiguity. It is also common to use 字 to refer to the time, such as 兩點三個字 meaning two fifteen.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
How do you pronounce this character?
Related words
Common mistake
Beginners often confuse 字 with 詞. While 字 refers to a single written character, 詞 refers to a word made of one or more characters, so using 字 to describe a long phrase can sound unnatural.
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.
