ziu1蕉
Jyutpingziu1
Yalejīu
Definition
Banana.
colloquialfood
How it's used
While 蕉 is the general term for banana, it is rarely used alone to refer to the fruit in a formal context. People usually specify the type, such as 香蕉 for the common Cavendish banana or 大蕉 for plantains. When buying them, you will almost always hear them referred to by the bunch, which is a 梳.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
Related words
Common phrases
to eat a banana (often used as a dismissive insult)
Common mistake
Do not confuse 蕉 with the slang term 碌蕉, which is a vulgar reference to male genitalia. Using the word in a suggestive context can easily lead to unintended double entendres.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
