雀
zoek³
The English word bird can be translated into Cantonese as 雀 (zoek³). Wiktionary also lists 雀仔 (zoek³ zai²) and 鳥 / 鸟 (niu⁵).
Meaning: animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Cantonese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 雀 | zoek³ |
| 雀仔 | zoek³ zai² |
| 鳥 / 鸟 | niu⁵ |
In Cantonese, you use different terms for bird depending on whether you are speaking colloquially or writing formally. The term 雀仔 is a common, affectionate way to refer to a bird, while 雀 is a shorter, more clipped version of that spoken term. In formal writing or biological contexts, the term 鳥 is preferred.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 雀仔 includes the suffix 仔, which means 'small' or 'little'. This is used to create a diminutive or more affectionate form of the noun.
Which one should you use?
While 雀 is used in spoken Cantonese, the form 鳥 is more common in formal writing or specific biological contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
When counting birds, you must use the classifier 隻 before the noun, such as in 隻雀 or 隻雀仔.
How do you pronounce it?
zoek³
Did you know?
- The character 鳥 is an ancient pictograph that evolved from a drawing of a bird with a crest and a long tail. Modern Cantonese speakers still use this visual heritage in formal calligraphy.
- While 鳥 is the formal word for bird, the character 雀 specifically refers to smaller birds or sparrows in classical contexts. This distinction persists in how people perceive the size of the bird based on the word used.
- When talking about birds as a biological class in a textbook, 鳥類 is used. The addition of 類 transforms the noun into a scientific category, which is never used in casual conversation.
Examples in context
- 隻雀仔好靚喎！What a beautiful bird it is!The sentence is useful for expressing admiration for a bird using 雀仔.Tatoeba #1553551 by nickyeow, translation #36134 by klebermann
- 我唔識畫雀仔。I can't draw a bird.The sentence is useful for stating an inability to draw a bird using 雀仔.Tatoeba #5803968 by nickyeow, translation #1887125 by CK
- 有隻雀仔喺樹上面唱歌。A bird is singing in the tree.The sentence is useful for describing a bird singing in a tree using 雀仔.Tatoeba #5733472 by nickyeow, translation #278169 by CK
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is walking in a park.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit睇吓嗰隻雀！tai2 haa5 go2 zek3 ceok3!Look at that bird!
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung嗰隻雀好細隻呀。go2 zek3 ceok3 hou2 sai3 zek3 aa3.That bird is very small.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit佢喺度搵緊嘢食。keoi5 hai2 dou6 wan2 gan2 je5 sik6.It is looking for food here.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung好可愛呀。hou2 ho2 oi3 aa3.It is so cute.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bird” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
