baak6 waa2 man4白話文白话文
Jyutpingbaak6 waa2 man4
Yalebakh wá mành
Definition
Writings in the vernacular
neutralschoolcommunication
How it's used
Refers specifically to the modern standard written Chinese that emerged during the May Fourth Movement. While it is based on Mandarin grammar and vocabulary, it is the standard medium for all formal writing in Hong Kong, including newspapers and official documents. It is distinct from spoken Cantonese, which retains its own unique grammar and vocabulary that often differs significantly from this written standard.
Measure word
pin1篇pīnExamples
le1 pin1 baak6 waa2 man4 se2 dak1 hou2 cin2 baak6
呢篇白話文寫得好淺白。
This vernacular essay is written in a very simple and clear way.
nei5 tai2 dak1 ming4 ni1 di1 baak6 waa2 man4 mei6 aa4
你睇得明呢啲白話文未呀？
Are you able to understand this vernacular text yet?
Related words
Common phrases
baak6 waa2 man4 wan6 dung6
白話文運動
Vernacular Chinese movement
cin2 baak6 baak6 waa2 man4
淺白白話文
Simple vernacular Chinese
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with spoken Cantonese. Writing exactly how you speak in Cantonese is often considered informal or dialectal, whereas白話文 is the accepted standard for formal written communication.
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
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.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- 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.
