zuk1 gon1竹竿
Jyutpingzuk1 gon1
Yalejūk gōn
Definition
Bamboo poles
colloquialhomedaily actions
How it's used
Bamboo poles are a quintessential part of the Hong Kong skyline, famously used for scaffolding on construction sites and as traditional clothes drying racks extending from apartment windows. While metal poles are increasingly common, the term remains the standard way to refer to these long, slender tools regardless of the actual material. It is also frequently used as a metaphor to describe someone who is exceptionally thin or lanky.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
keoi5 ling1 zyu6 tiu4 zuk1 gon1 heoi3 long6 saam1
佢拎住條竹竿去晾衫。
He is holding a bamboo pole to hang out the laundry.
nei5 ho2 m4 ho2 ji5 bong1 ngo5 lo2 zi1 zuk1 gon1 lok6 lai4
你可唔可以幫我攞支竹竿落嚟？
Can you help me get the bamboo pole down?
Related words
Common phrases
long6 saam1 zuk1 gon1
晾衫竹竿
bamboo pole for drying clothes
sau3 dou3 hou2 ci5 zuk1 gon1 gam3
瘦到好似竹竿咁
as thin as a bamboo pole
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the term 竿, which is a general character for poles or rods. When referring to the specific object used for laundry or fishing, always use the full compound 竹竿 to be clear.
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
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.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
