翡翠
fei2 ceoi3
In Cantonese, the English word jade is translated as 翡翠 (fei2 ceoi3).
In Cantonese, 翡翠 specifically refers to jadeite, the high-quality green variety of jade, rather than the broader category of nephrite jade.
Meaning: gem (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of two characters: 翡 (fei2), which refers to the feathers of a kingfisher and 翠 (ceoi3), which refers to the green feathers of a kingfisher or an emerald-like color.
Which one should you use?
翡翠 (fei1 ceoi3) is a formal way to say jade in Cantonese and emphasizes the color green, while 碧玉 (bik1 juk6) is a formal way to say jade in Cantonese and is often used in a poetic and literary context.
How do you pronounce it?
fei2 ceoi3
Did you know?
- Culturally, if a piece of 翡翠 breaks while being worn, it is believed to have 'absorbed' a misfortune meant for the owner.
- A piece of 翡翠 that is completely translucent and colorless is called 'ice jade' and is often more expensive than the green variety.
- Jade is so prized in Cantonese culture that it is a traditional gift for newborns, often given as a bangle to ensure the child's safety.
Examples in context
- 呢個翡翠手鐲好有收藏價值This jade bracelet is valuable for collectors.
- 佢嗰個青玉戒指好有氣質Her green jade ring is very elegant.
- 呢嚿翡翠好靚。ni1 guk1 fei1 ceoi3 hou2 leng3.This piece of jade is very beautiful.
- 佢想買一對翡翠手鐲。keoi5 soeng2 maai5 jat1 deoi3 fei1 ceoi3 sau2 zuk1.She wants to buy a pair of jade bracelets.
- 呢件翡翠飾物好值錢。ni1 gin6 fei1 ceoi3 sik1 mat6 hou2 cak1 cin4.This jade ornament is very valuable.
Example conversation
A woman is looking at jewelry in a shop with a man.
- 美玲 Mei Ling呢件翡翠手環點樣呀？ni1 gin6 fei1 ceoi3 sau2 waan4 dim2 joeng2 aa3?How is this jade bracelet?
- 子健 Tsz Kin佢嘅色澤非常之好。keoi5 ge3 sik1 zaak6 fei1 soeng4 zi1 hei2 hou2.Its color is very good.
- 美玲 Mei Ling係咪真係好貴呀？hai6 mai6 zan1 hai6 hou2 gwai3 aa3?Is it really very expensive?
- 子健 Tsz Kin因為呢嚿翡翠好稀有。jan1 wai6 ni1 guk6 fei1 ceoi3 hou2 hei1 jau4.Because this jade is very rare.
