zing1 tai2晶體晶体
Jyutpingzing1 tai2
Yalejīng tái
Definition
Crystal; a solid with a regular, repeating geometric arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules.
neutralother
How it's used
Scientific terminology like this is often borrowed directly from written Chinese, but in casual conversation, people might use the English word crystal instead. It is primarily used in academic or technical contexts rather than daily life. When describing something that is just shiny or clear like glass, avoid using this term as it specifically refers to the internal atomic structure.
Measure word
gau6嚿gauhExamples
Do you know how to make crystals?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 玻璃, which refers to glass. While glass may look clear, it lacks the ordered internal structure that defines a true crystal.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
