bun3 tong4 faan1半唐番
Definition
Eurasian; a person of mixed Chinese and Western descent, or a highly Westernized Chinese person.
- a person of mixed Chinese and Western descent; Eurasian
- figurativea highly Westernized Chinese person
How it's used
Originally referring specifically to people of mixed Chinese and European descent, the term has evolved to describe anyone who adopts Western habits or lacks traditional Chinese cultural knowledge. It often carries a slightly playful or mocking tone, implying a sense of being caught between two cultures without fully belonging to either. While it can be used neutrally, be aware that it may sound insensitive depending on the context and the person being described.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Avoid using this term to describe someone simply because they are a foreigner or speak English well, as it specifically highlights a hybrid cultural identity or mixed heritage. Using it to label someone can come across as reductive or dismissive of their actual background.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
