au1 mei5歐美欧美
Jyutpingau1 mei5
Yaleāu méih
Definition
Europe and America (excluding Latin America), generally referring to the West.
neutralpeopleother
How it's used
Refers specifically to the cultural and political sphere of the West rather than a literal geographical grouping. It is frequently used in commercial contexts to describe imported goods, implying a higher quality or a specific aesthetic associated with Western countries. When people talk about travel or trends, they often use this term as a shorthand for developed nations in the West.
Examples
He really likes watching Western TV series.
How do you think Western culture differs from Hong Kong's?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to refer to Latin American countries, as the term is strictly limited to the United States, Canada, and European nations. It is also not used to describe the physical continents themselves in a geographical or scientific sense.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
