柚子
jau6 zi2
The Cantonese word for pomelo is 柚子 (jau6 zi2).
柚子 refers to the large citrus fruit from the species C. maxima or grandis.
Meaning: large fruit of the C. maxima or grandis (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the character 柚 (jau6), which refers to the pomelo tree and the character 子 (zi2), a common noun suffix used for many fruits and objects.
How do you pronounce it?
jau6 zi2
Did you know?
- In Cantonese, the word for pomelo is a homophone for 'you have a son' in some dialects. This linguistic coincidence makes the fruit a popular gift for couples who are hoping to conceive.
- During the Mid-Autumn Festival, the thick rind of the 柚子 is often carved into decorative hats for children. These hats are not just toys but symbolize family unity and protection.
- When 柚 appears on red envelopes or Lunar New Year decorations, it is often a pun. It is used to invoke the idea of 'possessing' or 'having' wealth in the coming year.
Examples in context
- 呢個柚子好大。ni1 go3 jau6 zi2 hou2 daai6.This pomelo is very large.
- 超市有賣柚子。caau1 si5 jau5 maai6 jau6 zi2.The supermarket sells pomelo.
Example conversation
Ya Ting and Chun Kit are at a fruit market.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting俊傑，你睇下個柚子。Zyun3 git3, nei5 tai2 haa6 go3 jau3 zi2.Chun Kit, look at this pomelo.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit個柚子好大粒喎！go3 jau3 zi2 hou2 daai6 lap1 wo3!That pomelo is huge!
- 雅婷 Nga Ting我哋買一個返去食啦。ngo5 dei6 maai5 jat1 go3 faan1 heoi3 sik6 laa1.Let's buy one to eat at home.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit好呀，我幫你拎。hou2 aa3, ngo5 bong1 nei5 lei1.Sure, I'll carry it for you.
