種子
zung2 zi2
The English phrase "seeds" is translated into Cantonese as 種子 (zung2 zi2).
The term refers to the small parts of a plant from which new plants grow. For example, you can say 水果種子 (seoi2 gwo2 zung1 zi2) to mean "fruit seeds".
Which one should you use?
While 種子 (zung2 zi2) is the formal term for biological seeds, in casual conversation, people often refer to specific types of seeds by their names (such as sunflower seeds) rather than using this general term.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The variation 種子 (zung1 ji2) is commonly used in parts of Guangdong province.
How does it change in a sentence?
When counting individual seeds, the classifier 粒 (lap1) is used.
How do you pronounce it?
zung2 zi2
Did you know?
- The word 子 (zi2) in 種子 originally meant 'son' or 'child' in ancient Chinese. This makes the word for 'seed' literally translate to 'planting child'.
- While 種子 refers to biological seeds, the word 種 (zung2) is also used to describe a person's 'type' or 'kind' of personality. For example, calling someone a 'strange' 種 suggests they are a peculiar breed of person.
- The classifier 粒 (lap1) used for seeds literally refers to a 'grain' or 'small round object'. This same classifier is used for everything from pearls and pills to small droplets of sweat.
Examples in context
- 我想買種子I would like to buy seeds
- 我喺花園種咗一啲種子。ngo5 hai2 faa1 jyun4 zung3 zo2 jat1 di1 zung2 zi2.I planted some seeds in the garden.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking in a garden.
- 志強 Chi Keung美玲，你有冇種子畀我？mei5 ling4, nei5 jau5 mou5 zung2 zi2 bei2 ngo5?Meiling, do you have any seeds to give me?
- 美玲 Mei Ling有呀，你想種咩種子？jau5 aa3, nei5 soeng2 zung3 me1 zung2 zi2?Yes, what kind of seeds do you want to plant?
- 志強 Chi Keung我想種啲西瓜種子。ngo5 soeng2 zung3 di1 sai1 gwaa1 zung2 zi2I want to plant some watermelon seeds.
- 美玲 Mei Ling好啊，等我搵畀你。hou2 aa3, dang2 ngo5 wan2 bei2 nei5Okay, let me find some for you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
