gwok3 jan4國人国人
Jyutpinggwok3 jan4
Yalegwok yàhn
Definition
People of a nation, compatriots, or citizens of a country.
writtenpeople
How it's used
This term carries a formal, patriotic, or literary weight that is rarely used in casual, everyday conversation. It is typically encountered in news reports, official speeches, or historical narratives rather than in face-to-face dialogue. Using it in a casual setting can make the speaker sound overly dramatic or like they are reciting a script.
Examples
Compatriots are very concerned about this matter.
Is he trying to call on compatriots to unite?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general term for people from a specific country, but it specifically implies a sense of shared national identity or belonging. It is not a neutral way to refer to citizens or people of a country in daily life.
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.
