If you are learning Cantonese or planning to visit Cantonese-speaking regions, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with common mathematical terms, including how to say “decimal.” In this guide, we will explore formal and informal ways of expressing decimals in Cantonese. We will also provide helpful tips, examples, and explanations to enhance your understanding. So, let’s dive into the world of decimal numbers in Cantonese!
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Formal Ways of Saying Decimal in Cantonese
When it comes to formal contexts, such as academic or professional environments, it is essential to use the appropriate terminology. Here are the formal ways to express “decimal” in Cantonese:
1. 十進制 (sap6 zeon3 zai3)
The term “十進制” directly translates to “decimal” in English. This is the most common and widely understood formal way to refer to decimal numbers in Cantonese.
2. 小數 (siu2 sou3)
Another formal term used to refer to decimal numbers is “小數.” This term focuses on the concept of numbers being “small” or “fractional” in comparison to whole numbers.
Informal Ways of Saying Decimal in Cantonese
In informal settings, such as casual conversations with friends or family, you can use more colloquial expressions to refer to decimal numbers. Here are some examples:
1. 數字有「點」 (sou3 zi6 jau5 “dim2”)
In Cantonese, when we want to describe a decimal number, we often use the word “點” (dim2), which means “point” in English. For example, to explain the number “2.5,” you can say “數字有二點五” (sou3 zi6 jau5 ji6 dim2 ng5). This is a commonly used phrase in spoken Cantonese.
2. 數字「後面」有「小數位」 (sou3 zi6 “hau6 min6” jau5 “siu2 sou3 wai6”)
Another informal way of expressing decimals is to describe them as “小數位” (siu2 sou3 wai6), meaning “decimal places” in English. For instance, if you want to say “3.14,” you can say “數字後面有小數位三一四” (sou3 zi6 hau6 min6 jau5 siu2 sou3 wai6 saam1 jat1 sei3). This phrase indicates the presence of decimal places after a whole number.
Tips and Examples
To help you better understand how to express decimal numbers in Cantonese, here are some tips and examples:
1. Use precise numbers and proper tone
When stating decimals, it is crucial to pronounce each digit accurately, maintaining the right tone. For instance, when saying “3.5,” pronounce it as “三點五” (saam1 dim2 ng5) and not “三點五十” (saam1 dim2 ng5 sap6), which means “3.50.”
2. Pay attention to context
Depending on the context, you may need to specify the unit or measurement for the decimal number. For example, if you want to say “0.5 kilogram” in Cantonese, you would say “零點五公斤” (ling4 dim2 ng5 gung1 gan1), where “公斤” (gung1 gan1) means “kilogram.”
3. Use the appropriate counters
In Cantonese, counters are used to quantify objects or indicate the occurrence of an action. When expressing decimals in the context of quantities or measurements, it is essential to use the appropriate counters. For example:
– 0.3 liters: 「零點三升」(ling4 dim2 saam1 sing1)
– 1.8 kilometers: 「一點八公里」(jat1 dim2 baat3 gung1 lei5)
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned how to say “decimal” in Cantonese. Remember to use the formal terms, “十進制” (sap6 zeon3 zai3) and “小數” (siu2 sou3), in formal settings. In informal conversations, you can use expressions like “數字有點” (sou3 zi6 jau5 dim2) and “數字後面有小數位” (sou3 zi6 hau6 min6 jau5 siu2 sou3 wai6). Pay attention to accurate pronunciation and the appropriate use of counters and context-specific vocabulary. Keep practicing and soon you’ll be confidently talking about decimals in Cantonese!
