zou2藻
Jyutpingzou2
Yalejóu
Definition
Algae; a broad group of aquatic, photosynthetic organisms that are not plants.
neutralnature
How it's used
Refers to a broad biological category rather than a specific species in everyday speech. While technically accurate in biology, people usually prefer specific names like 紫菜 or 海帶 when talking about food or visible growths in water. It is rarely used in isolation unless discussing science or environmental issues like water quality.
Measure word
zung3種jungExamples
The rocks by the sea are covered in algae.
Related words
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
