fan3訓训
Jyutpingfan3
Yalefan
Definition
To teach, lecture, or admonish.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
While 訓 is a morpheme meaning to teach or instruct, it is rarely used as a standalone verb in modern spoken Cantonese. It primarily appears in compound words like 訓話 or 教訓, where it carries a sense of stern guidance or reprimand rather than simple education. Using it alone to mean teach sounds archaic or overly formal.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the common colloquial verb 瞓, which means to sleep. They share the same written character in some contexts, but they are distinct in meaning and tone.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
