gwok3 gaa1國家国家
Jyutpinggwok3 gaa1
Yalegwok gā
Definition
Country, nation, or state.
neutralplaces
How it's used
Formal contexts often use this term, but in casual daily speech, people frequently refer to specific places by name rather than using the abstract concept of a nation. It carries a slightly more serious or political weight compared to just saying 地區 or 地方. When discussing one's own country, locals might also use 地方 or 國家 depending on the level of formality required.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Which country do you most want to travel to?
The culture of this country is very unique.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use 國家 when they simply mean a place or a city. If you are talking about a specific city like Hong Kong or Tokyo, avoid using 國家, as it specifically refers to a sovereign state.
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.
