au1 lo4 baa1歐羅巴欧罗巴
Jyutpingau1 lo4 baa1
Yaleāu lòh bā
Definition
Europa; a phonetic transliteration of the Portuguese or Dutch name for Europe.
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How it's used
This term is a historical transliteration that has largely fallen out of common use in modern daily speech. It reflects an older layer of language influenced by early European contact via Japan. Nowadays, it is mostly encountered in literary contexts, old texts, or specific proper names rather than as a standard geographical reference.
Examples
People used to really like calling it Europa.
Do you know that Europa actually means Europe?
Related words
Common phrases
The continent of Europe
Common mistake
Avoid using this to refer to the continent in casual conversation, as it will sound archaic or confusing to most native speakers. Use 歐洲 instead for all modern contexts.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
