蜥蜴
sik¹ jik⁶
The English word "lizard" is 蜥蜴 (sik¹ jik⁶) in Cantonese. Wiktionary also lists 四腳蛇 / 四脚蛇 (sei³ goek³ se⁴).
Meaning: reptile (noun)
Ways to say it
| Cantonese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 蜥蜴 | sik¹ jik⁶ |
| 四腳蛇 / 四脚蛇 | sei³ goek³ se⁴ |
The word is used to refer to the reptile. You can use the formal term 蜥蜴 or the more descriptive, colloquial term 四腳蛇 / 四脚蛇.
What does it mean word for word?
The colloquial term 四腳蛇 / 四脚蛇 literally translates to "four-legged snake".
Which one should you use?
蜥蜴 is the formal or scientific term for a lizard, whereas 四腳蛇 / 四脚蛇 is the common term used in daily speech.
How do you pronounce it?
sik¹ jik⁶
Did you know?
- The colloquial term 四腳蛇 classifies lizards as a type of snake with legs, rather than as a distinct group of animals.
- Certain Cantonese idioms use 'snake' words like 蛇 to describe something slow or cunning, which can extend to the 四腳蛇 in metaphors.
- The use of 四腳蛇 is a prime example of a 'descriptive name' where the language describes the animal's appearance rather than using a unique root word.
Examples in context
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a pet store window.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan子健，你看嗰隻蜥蜴幾得意！zi2 gin6, nei5 tai3 go3 cik1 jik6 gei2 jyu3 ji3!Zijian, look at that lizard, it's so cute!
- 子健 Tsz Kin係喎，但係我驚蜥蜴。hai6 wo3, daan6 si6 ngo5 geng1 cik1 jik6.You're right, but I'm afraid of lizards.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan唔好驚，佢好溫馴㗎。m4 hou2 geng1, keoi5 hou2 wan1 seon4 gaa3.Don't be afraid, it's very gentle.
- 子健 Tsz Kin我都係唔敢掂佢。ngo5 dou1 hai6 m4 gam2 dim6 keoi5.I still don't dare to touch it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lizard” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
