gung1 gung6公共
Jyutpinggung1 gung6
Yalegūng guhng
Definition
Public; belonging to or related to the general public.
neutralplacestransport
How it's used
This term functions as a modifier that precedes nouns to indicate they serve the general population rather than private individuals. It is almost exclusively used in formal or institutional contexts such as government services, infrastructure, or professional fields. When describing everyday shared spaces, speakers often prefer more specific terms like 公眾 or simply describe the place directly.
Examples
This is a public area, smoking is not allowed here.
Do you know what time public transport stops running?
Related words
Common phrases
public transport
public facilities
public health
Common mistake
Avoid using this as a standalone adjective to describe people or personal behavior, as it strictly denotes institutional or communal status. It is not interchangeable with words describing social or open accessibility in casual conversation.
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.
