zin1 zau2氈酒毡酒
Jyutpingzin1 zau2
Yalejīn jáu
Definition
Gin; a distilled alcoholic beverage flavored with juniper berries and botanicals.
colloquialdrink
How it's used
Pronounced as zin1 zau2, this term is a direct phonetic adaptation of the English word gin. It is the standard way to refer to the spirit in bars and restaurants across Hong Kong. While younger generations are increasingly comfortable using the English word gin directly, 氈酒 remains the preferred term in formal menus or when speaking Cantonese.
Measure word
bui1杯būiExamples
Do you like drinking gin?
This gin tastes very refreshing.
Related words
Common phrases
gin and tonic
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
