棍
gwan³
The English phrase 'stick' can be translated into Cantonese as 棍 (gwan³).
The term 棍 refers to a long piece of wood. You may also encounter 枝 when specifically referring to a branch.
Meaning: long piece of wood (noun)
Which one should you use?
You might use the informal 棍仔 to refer to a stick. If you are referring specifically to a branch, use 枝.
How do you pronounce it?
gwan³
Did you know?
- While 棍 refers to a stick, the measure word 枝 is used for many long, thin objects that aren't actually wood, such as pens or cigarettes.
- While 棍 refers to the object, the term 棍道 refers to the traditional art of staff fighting, a staple in Southern Chinese martial arts.
- The diminutive 棍仔 can sometimes be used affectionately for small objects, but it can also sound slightly patronizing if used to describe a person's actions.
Examples in context
- 我公公用手杖。My grandfather uses a walking cane.
- 佢用棍打球。He hit the ball with a stick.
- 嗰度有一條棍。go2 dou6 jau5 jat1 tiu4 gan1.There is a stick over there.
- 佢攞住一條木棍。keoi5 lo2 zyu6 jat1 tiu4 muk6 gan1.He is holding a wooden stick.
- 呢條棍好長。ni1 tiu4 gan1 hou2 coeng4.This stick is very long.
Example conversation
A boy is playing in the park with a stick.
- 美玲 Mei Ling家明，你攞住嗰條棍做乜？gaa1 ming4, nei5 lo2 zyu6 go2 tiu4 gan1 zou6 mat1?Ka Ming, what are you doing with that stick?
- 家明 Ka Ming我想用呢條棍打波。ngo5 soeng2 jung6 ni1 tiu4 gan1 daa2 bo1.I want to use this stick to play ball.
- 美玲 Mei Ling唔好用棍打人呀。m4 hou2 jung6 gan1 daa2 jan4 aa3.Don't use the stick to hit people.
- 家明 Ka Ming我知，我唔會呀。ngo5 zi1, ngo5 m4 wui5 aa3.I know, I won't.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stick” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
