ding can1訂親定亲
Jyutpingding can1
Yaleding chān
Definition
To arrange a betrothal; to get engaged.
colloquialpeoplefamily
How it's used
Refers specifically to the formal agreement to marry, often carrying a more traditional or serious weight than the modern loanword 訂婚. While 訂親 is understood in daily speech, it is frequently used when discussing family arrangements or more conservative contexts. It implies a deeper level of commitment that historically involved families rather than just the couple.
Examples
They got engaged last month.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 訂婚, which is the more common, neutral term for getting engaged in modern Hong Kong. Using 訂親 can sometimes sound slightly old fashioned or formal depending on the social circle.
Grammar color guide
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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.
