fung1 kau4風球风球
Jyutpingfung1 kau4
Yalefūng kàuh
Definition
A typhoon warning signal used in Hong Kong and Macau.
colloquialweather
How it's used
Refers specifically to the numbered typhoon warning signals issued by the Hong Kong Observatory. Even though physical balls are no longer hoisted on signal masts, the term remains deeply embedded in local culture. It is common to hear people talk about whether a signal will be hoisted or lowered, reflecting the historical practice of physically raising and lowering the signal markers.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
The observatory hoisted the No. 8 signal, so we don't have to go to work tomorrow.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse the act of issuing a signal with the word 掛, which literally means to hang. Remember that in Cantonese, you always use 掛 for typhoon signals, never use 發出 or 其他動詞.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
