蟹
haai⁵
The English word "crab" is translated into Cantonese as 蟹 (haai⁵). Wiktionary also lists 螃蟹 (pong⁴ haai⁵).
Meaning: crustacean (noun)
Ways to say it
| Cantonese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 蟹 | haai⁵ |
| 螃蟹 | pong⁴ haai⁵ |
蟹 is the standard noun used to refer to the crustacean. In some contexts, you may see the more descriptive term 螃蟹 used to specify the animal.
Which one should you use?
蟹 is the standard way to say crab in Cantonese, whereas 螃蟹 is a more formal or descriptive term often used in written contexts or specific biological discussions.
How do you pronounce it?
haai⁵
Did you know?
- The phrase 蟹貨 (haai2 fo3), which literally means 'crab goods', is a common Cantonese slang term for 'second-hand' or 'shoddy' merchandise.
- The character 蟹 contains the radical for 'insect' or 'small creature' 虫, reflecting an ancient classification where crustaceans and insects were grouped together.
- While 'crab' is 蟹, the term 大閘蟹 (daai6 haap6 haai2) refers specifically to a type of hairy crab that is a seasonal delicacy, often associated with the way the gates of water conservancy systems were closed.
Examples in context
- 佢煮嘅蟹咀好鮮味。The crab claws he cooked are very delicious.
- 呢隻蟹好大隻。ni1 zek3 se5 hou2 daai6 zek3.This crab is very big.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a menu in a seafood restaurant.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit呢間餐廳嘅蟹好出名。ni1 gaan1 caan1 ting1 ge3 gaai3 hou2 ceot1 ming4The crab at this restaurant is very famous.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan真係咩？我想試下。zan1 hai6 me1? ngo5 soeng2 si3 haa5Really? I want to try it.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit我哋叫一盤蟹好唔好？ngo5 dei6 giu3 jat1 pun4 gaai3 hou2 m4 hou2?Shall we order a plate of crab?
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan好呀，我同意！hou2 aa3, ngo5 tung1 ji3!Sure, I agree!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “crab” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
