aa3 zau1亞洲亚洲
Jyutpingaa3 zau1
Yalea jāu
Definition
Asia, the largest and most populous continent on Earth.
neutralplaces
How it's used
Pronunciation is the primary marker of local usage, as the initial sound is often softened in casual speech compared to formal news broadcasts. It functions as a standard geographical term but is frequently paired with adjectives like 東南亞 or 東亞 to specify regions within the continent. Unlike some other geographical terms, it does not typically require a classifier when used in general statements.
Examples
Do you like travelling to different places in Asia?
Asia is the continent with the largest population in the world.
Related words
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
