gwok3 gaak3國格国格
Jyutpinggwok3 gaak3
Yalegwok gaak
Definition
National dignity or character.
writtenother
How it's used
This term is almost exclusively used in formal political discourse or news commentary rather than casual daily conversation. It carries a heavy, serious tone often associated with diplomatic relations or public conduct that reflects on a country's reputation. You will rarely hear it outside of debates regarding international standing or patriotic sentiment.
Examples
His words and actions really show no national dignity.
Will this kind of behavior damage national dignity?
Related words
Common phrases
damage national dignity
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a personal character trait, but it specifically refers to the collective dignity of a nation rather than an individual's personal integrity or moral standing.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
