zoek3爵
Jyutpingzoek3
Yalejeuk
Definition
Rank of nobility; a high-ranking aristocrat who holds a fief.
neutralpeople
How it's used
This character is almost exclusively used as a suffix in titles of nobility rather than as a standalone noun in daily speech. It functions as a bound morpheme that attaches to specific ranks like 公, 侯, 伯, 子, and 男. You will rarely hear it outside of historical dramas, formal discussions about European royalty, or specific academic contexts.
Examples
Their family inherits the dukedom title.
Is this baron very wealthy?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake it for a common noun that can be used on its own to mean a noble person, but it specifically refers to the rank or title itself. Always pair it with the specific rank prefix to be grammatically natural.
Grammar color guide
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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.
