zyu1株
Jyutpingzyu1
Yalejyū
Definition
Classifier for trees, plants, or shrubs.
colloquialnature
How it's used
While the character 株 is used in formal writing, Cantonese speakers almost exclusively use the character 樖 in spoken language for plants. It is the standard classifier for anything with a distinct trunk or stem, such as trees, shrubs, or large potted plants. Using the generic classifier 個 for these items sounds unnatural to native ears.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse 樖 with the generic classifier 個, as using the wrong classifier for plants is a common sign of non-native speech. Also, ensure you do not use it for small flowers or grasses that lack a woody stem, where other classifiers might be more appropriate.
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.
