baat3 gau2八九
Jyutpingbaat3 gau2
Yalebaat gáu
Definition
Short for the year 1989, or the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests.
colloquialtime
How it's used
Refers specifically to the political events of 1989 in Beijing. It is used as a shorthand in political discourse or historical discussion within Hong Kong. Using this term carries a heavy, serious tone and is often associated with public commemorations.
Examples
They experienced 1989 back then.
Related words
Common phrases
1989 democracy movement
Common mistake
Avoid using this as a general way to refer to the year 1989 in non-political contexts, such as birthdays or neutral dates, as it will sound like you are making a specific political reference.
Grammar color guide
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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.
