針灸 / 针灸
zam¹ gau³
The English phrase "acupuncture" is 針灸 / 针灸 (zam¹ gau³) in Cantonese. Wiktionary also lists 針術 / 针术 (zam¹ seot⁶).
Meaning: insertion of needles for remedial purposes (noun)
Ways to say it
| Cantonese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 針灸 / 针灸 | zam¹ gau³ |
| 針術 / 针术 | zam¹ seot⁶ |
How do you pronounce it?
zam¹ gau³
Did you know?
- The word 針灸 is actually a compound of two different techniques: 'needle insertion' and 'moxibustion', which involves burning dried herbs near the skin.
- In Cantonese, the word 針 is also used to describe a 'sharp' or 'stinging' sensation in a conversation or a pointed remark.
- The concept of 'qi' or 'energy' flows through 'meridians' which Cantonese speakers call 經絡, a term that suggests a network of silk-like threads.
Example sentences for Cantonese are not verified yet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “acupuncture” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
