圓圈
jyun4 hyun1
The Cantonese word for circle is 圓圈 (jyun4 hyun1).
圓圈 refers to a circle in a geometric sense, describing a set of points that are all equidistant from a central point.
Meaning: geometry: set of points that are equally distant from a center (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
圓圈 is composed of 圓 (round) and 圈 (loop or ring).
Which one should you use?
The term 圓形 is used in more formal or technical contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
jyun4 hyun1
Did you know?
- In Cantonese, if you describe someone as 圓滑 (smooth/round), you aren't talking about their shape but suggesting they are a clever, perhaps overly cunning, diplomat who can navigate any social situation.
- Because the circle represents reunion, Cantonese speakers often use the term 團圓 (round/reunion) to describe the act of families gathering together during festivals like the Mid-Autumn Festival.
- If you are 'circling' a topic in a Cantonese argument, you might be described as 兜圈子 (circling the corner/loop), which means you are beating around the bush instead of getting to the point.
Examples in context
- 畫一個圓圈。waai2 jat1 go3 jyun4 hyun1.Draw a circle.
- 個圓圈好大。go3 jyun4 hyun1 hou2 daai6.The circle is very big.
- 佢用圓圈做裝飾。keoi5 jung6 jyun4 hyun1 zou6 zong1 sik1.He uses circles for decoration.
Example conversation
Ya Ting and Zi Jian are doing a geometry homework assignment together.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting子健，呢個圓圈畫得好靚。zi2 gin6, ni1 go3 jyun4 hyun1 waa2 dak1 hou2 leng3.Zi Jian, this circle is drawn very beautifully.
- 子健 Tsz Kin多謝你，我用咗圓規。do1 ze6 nei2, ngo5 jung6 zo2 jyun4 gwai1.Thank you, I used a compass.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting我想喺個圓圈入面寫字。ngo5 soeng2 hai2 go3 jyun4 hyun1 jap6 min6 se2 zi6.I want to write words inside the circle.
- 子健 Tsz Kin好啊，你慢慢寫。hou2 aa3, nei2 maan6 maan6 se2.Sure, take your time writing.
