茉莉花
mut6 lei6 faa1
The English word jasmine is 茉莉花 (mut6 lei6 faa1) in Cantonese.
茉莉花 is used to refer to the plant of the genus Jasminum.
Meaning: plant of genus Jasminum (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 茉莉 (jasmine) and 花 (flower).
Which one should you use?
While 茉莉花 is the full name for the jasmine flower, the word can be shortened to just 茉莉 by omitting the word for flower in many contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
mut6 lei6 faa1
Did you know?
- The word 茉莉 is a phonetic transliteration of the Persian word 'yasmin' which entered the language via the Silk Road.
- In traditional Cantonese medicine, 茉莉花 is not just aromatic but is used as a herbal remedy to treat anxiety and insomnia.
- In Cantonese culture, 茉莉花 is often associated with purity and innocence, making it a common symbol in traditional folk songs and poetry to represent a young woman's virtue.
Examples in context
- 呢樖茉莉花好香。ni1 po1 mat6 lei4 faa1 hou2 hoeng1.This jasmine plant smells very fragrant.
- 我鍾意茉莉花嘅味道。ngo5 zung1 ji3 mat6 lei4 faa1 ge3 wai6 dou6.I like the scent of jasmine.
- 佢種咗好多茉莉花。keoi5 zung2 zo2 hou2 do1 mat6 lei4 faa1.He planted a lot of jasmine.
Example conversation
A couple is walking through a botanical garden.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung子健，你睇下呢啲茉莉花！zi2 gin 3, nei5 tai2 haa5 ni1 di1 mat6 lei4 faa1!Zi Kin, look at these jasmine flowers!
- 子健 Tsz Kin曉彤，真係好香呀。hiu2 tung4, zan1 hai6 hou2 hoeng1 aa3.Hiu Tung, they really smell lovely.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung我想送一束茉莉花畀你。ngo5 soeng2 sung3 jat1 cuk1 mat6 lei4 faa1 bei2 nei5.I want to give you a bouquet of jasmine.
- 子健 Tsz Kin多謝妳，我好鍾意呀。do1 ze6 nei5, ngo5 hou2 zung1 ji3 aa3.Thank you, I love them.
