zung1 sik1棕色
Jyutpingzung1 sik1
Yalejūng sīk
Definition
Brown; the color of coffee, soil, or tree bark.
neutralcolours
How it's used
While 棕色 is the standard term for brown, Hong Kongers frequently use 啡色 instead in everyday speech. Using 棕色 often sounds slightly more formal or descriptive, such as when discussing specific shades in fashion or design. It is rarely used to describe food or drinks, where 啡色 is the default choice.
Examples
He bought a pair of brown leather shoes and brought them home.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 棕色 with 咖啡色, but 咖啡色 is specifically associated with the colour of coffee, whereas 棕色 is a more general term for the colour of earth or wood.
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.
