zung1 zi2中指
Jyutpingzung1 zi2
Yalejūng jí
Definition
Middle finger.
colloquialbodypeople
How it's used
Using this term is almost exclusively associated with the offensive gesture of flipping someone off. It is rarely used in a neutral or anatomical context unless you are specifically discussing hand anatomy with a doctor or in a classroom setting. In casual conversation, people often just refer to it as 粗口手勢 to avoid saying the name directly.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
He is so rude, he actually gave someone the middle finger.
Why are you giving the middle finger? That is very disrespectful.
Related words
Common phrases
to give the middle finger
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin usage which might be used more clinically. In Cantonese, the term carries a strong negative connotation due to its primary association with the obscene gesture.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
