gung1 zung3公眾公众
Jyutpinggung1 zung3
Yalegūng jung
Definition
Public; relating to or belonging to the people as a whole.
neutralother
How it's used
Distinguish between 公眾 and 大眾, as they are not always interchangeable. 公眾 typically refers to the public in a formal or legal sense, such as public spaces or public opinion, whereas 大眾 is more often used to describe the general population or the masses. You will frequently encounter it as a prefix for facilities or services provided by the government.
Examples
This is a public area, you are not allowed to smoke here.
What do you think is the public's view on this matter?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use 公眾 when they mean everyone or people in general, but it sounds overly formal or stiff in casual conversation. Use 大家 or 人哋 when referring to people in a social context instead.
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.
