cing1稱称
Jyutpingcing1
Yalechīng
Definition
To call, name, or address someone as something.
neutralcommunicationpeople
How it's used
While 稱 is a formal character, it is almost exclusively used in the compound 稱呼 in spoken Cantonese. Using 稱 as a standalone verb in casual conversation sounds overly literary or stiff. When you want to express the act of calling someone by a name or title, 叫 is the standard, natural choice for everyday speech.
Examples
How do you usually address your boss?
They call this person the master.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to use 稱 as a direct verb for calling someone by name, but this sounds unnatural. Always use 叫 for general naming or addressing, and reserve 稱呼 for formal contexts or when discussing titles.
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.
