am3 hou6暗號暗号
Jyutpingam3 hou6
Yaleam houh
Definition
Secret signal, code word, or password used to secretly exchange information or identify oneself.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
Beyond spoken or written words, this term frequently describes non-verbal cues like a wink, a specific gesture, or a subtle movement used to convey information discreetly. It implies a sense of shared exclusivity, where only the intended recipient understands the underlying meaning while others remain oblivious.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
We have agreed on a code word to communicate.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 密碼, which specifically refers to passwords for digital accounts or mathematical encryption keys. While 密碼 is about security protocols, 暗號 is about social or situational secrecy.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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Connector
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).



