柑
gam1
The Cantonese word for "mandarin orange" is 柑 (gam1).
The term refers to the mandarin orange fruit.
Meaning: fruit (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 柑 is the standard term, the word 桔 is also used colloquially to refer to the same fruit, specifically the mandarin orange or tangerine.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Cantonese-speaking regions, 桔 is used colloquially.
How do you pronounce it?
gam1
When do people say it?
Mandarin oranges are a symbol of good luck and prosperity during the Lunar New Year.
Did you know?
- In Cantonese, the word for 'tangerine', 桔, is a homophone for the word 'luck' 吉.
- In some traditional Cantonese customs, the stalks and leaves of the 柑 are kept attached to the fruit to symbolize longevity and a continuous flow of luck.
- In Cantonese, the word for 'gold' 金 and the word for 'mandarin orange' 柑 sound very similar, which reinforces the fruit's association with wealth.
Examples in context
- 呢個柑好甜。ni1 go3 gam1 hou2 tim4.This mandarin orange is very sweet.
- 我想買一袋柑。ngo5 soeng2 maai5 jat1 doi6 gam1.I want to buy a bag of mandarin oranges.
- 佢攞咗個柑。keoi5 lo2 zo2 go3 gam1.He took a mandarin orange.
Example conversation
At a fruit stall in a street market.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan呢啲柑幾多錢一斤？ni1 di1 gam1 gei2 do1 cin4 jat1 gan1?How much is a catty of these mandarin oranges?
- 俊傑 Chun Kit十八蚊一斤。sap6 baat3 maan1 jat1 gan1.Eighteen dollars per catty.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan好貴呀，可唔可以平啲？hou2 gwai3 aa3, ho2 m4 ho2 ji5 ping4 di1?That's expensive, can you make it cheaper?
- 俊傑 Chun Kit噉我送多兩個柑畀你。gam2 ngo5 sung3 do1 loeng5 go3 gam1 bei2 nei5.Then I will give you two extra mandarin oranges for free.
