gwok3 man4國文国文
Jyutpinggwok3 man4
Yalegwok màhn
Definition
National language and literature.
neutralschool
How it's used
Refers specifically to the study of a nation's own language and literary heritage, often used in educational contexts. While it sounds formal, it is the standard term for the subject in many regions. In modern Hong Kong, schools typically use 中文 instead of 國文 to refer to the subject of Chinese language and literature.
Examples
He really likes reading literature, he always goes to the library to find books.
Did you study literature at school before?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 中文, but 國文 is a broader term that can apply to any nation's language studies, whereas 中文 is specifically for the Chinese language.
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.
