hong4降
Jyutpinghong4
Yalehòhng
Definition
To surrender or yield.
neutralother
How it's used
Used primarily in formal contexts or compound words like 投降, as it is a literary morpheme rather than a standalone verb in daily speech. When expressing the idea of giving up or yielding in casual conversation, speakers prefer using 認輸 or 投降 directly.
Examples
They lost so badly that in the end they had no choice but to surrender.
Are you planning to surrender?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this as a standalone verb in casual speech, as it sounds overly dramatic or archaic. Use 認輸 instead for everyday situations like losing a game or argument.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
