zung1 gwok3 zoeng6 kei4中國象棋中国象棋
Jyutpingzung1 gwok3 zoeng6 kei4
Yalejūng gwok jeuhng kèih
Definition
Chinese chess; xiangqi.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
People often refer to this game simply as 象棋 in casual conversation, as the context makes it clear which version is being played. When talking about the act of playing, the verb 捉 is used instead of 玩. It is common to see elderly men gathered around a board in public parks, which is a classic scene in local neighborhoods.
Measure word
pun4盤pùnhExamples
Do you know how to play Chinese chess?
They are playing Chinese chess in the park.
Related words
Common phrases
to play Chinese chess
a game of Chinese chess
Common mistake
Beginners often mistakenly use 玩 for playing board games, but 捉 is the specific verb reserved for Chinese chess. Using 玩 is not strictly wrong but sounds less natural to native speakers.
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.
