bun2 tou2本土
Jyutpingbun2 tou2
Yalebún tóu
Definition
Local, native, or localist, centering on the place with which one identifies.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Refers specifically to things originating from or characteristic of Hong Kong, often carrying a sense of pride or preservation. It distinguishes local identity from broader mainland Chinese or international influences. The term is frequently used in discussions regarding arts, food, and political identity.
Examples
He really supports local culture and goes to watch movies all the time.
Do you think this restaurant has enough local character?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to mean simply 'domestic' or 'national' in the way Mandarin speakers might use it to refer to the entire country. In Hong Kong, it almost exclusively focuses on the city's unique local identity.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
