腎臟
san6 zong6
The English word kidney is translated into Cantonese as 腎臟 (san6 zong6).
The term refers to the organ in the body.
Meaning: an organ in the body (noun)
Which one should you use?
The form 腎臟 is the standard way to name the organ, while 腎 is another formal way to refer to it.
How do you pronounce it?
san6 zong6
Did you know?
- In Cantonese culinary terms, pig kidneys are often called 豬腎 but are frequently listed on menus as 腰, which literally means 'waist'.
- The phrase 腎虛 is often used in Cantonese culture as a euphemism for sexual dysfunction or general fatigue in men.
- In Cantonese folk belief, certain foods like black beans are thought to specifically nourish the 腎 because of a color-matching system of health.
Examples in context
- 腎臟係好重要嘅器官。san6 zong6 hai6 hou2 zung6 jiu3 ge3 hei3 gon1.The kidney is a very important organ.
Example conversation
Ka Yan and Chi Keung are discussing health at a clinic.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan志強，你個腎臟點呀？zi3 koeng4, nei5 go3 san6 zong3 dim2 aa3?Chi Keung, how is your kidney?
- 志強 Chi Keung醫生話腎臟好健康。ji1 sang1 waa4 san6 zong3 hou2 gin6 hong1.The doctor said the kidney is very healthy.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan咁就好喇，唔使擔心。gam2 zau6 hou2 laa3, m4 sai2 daam1 sam1.That's good then, no need to worry.
- 志強 Chi Keung多謝嘉欣嘅關心。do1 ze6 gaa1 han1 ge3 gwaan1 sam1.Thanks for the concern, Ka Yan.
