cou1操
Jyutpingcou1
Yalechōu
Definition
Conduct or moral character.
neutralpeopleschool
How it's used
This character functions primarily as a bound morpheme in formal or academic contexts rather than as a standalone word in spoken Cantonese. It is most frequently encountered in school reports or discussions regarding professional ethics. When referring to personal character in everyday speech, people prefer using terms like 為人 or 品格.
Examples
His conduct is usually very poor, he is always late.
One must have moral integrity and not betray friends for money.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin slang usage of 操, which is a vulgar expletive. In Cantonese, the character is strictly associated with conduct and moral standards in formal settings.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
