ging3 jyu5敬語敬语
Jyutpingging3 jyu5
Yaleging yúh
Definition
Honorifics; polite language used to show respect to strangers or those of higher status.
neutralcommunicationother
How it's used
Refers primarily to grammatical systems found in languages like Japanese or Korean where verb endings or vocabulary change based on social hierarchy. While Cantonese uses polite particles like 呀 or 㗎 to soften tone, it lacks a formal, rigid honorific system comparable to those languages.
Examples
Are you learning Japanese honorifics?
Cantonese does not really have specific honorifics.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly assume that adding polite particles to Cantonese sentences functions exactly like Japanese honorifics, but Cantonese politeness is expressed through tone and word choice rather than structural grammar changes.
Grammar color guide
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Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Particle
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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.
