hap6 tung4合同
Jyutpinghap6 tung4
Yalehahp tùhng
Definition
Contract; agreement.
neutralwork
How it's used
While 合同 is widely understood, native speakers in Hong Kong overwhelmingly prefer the term 合約 for legal or formal agreements. Using 合同 often sounds like a direct influence from written Chinese or Mandarin, whereas 合約 feels more natural in local business contexts. Both terms are interchangeable in meaning, but 合約 is the standard choice for professional settings.
Measure word
fan2份fánExamples
I will decide after I read the contract.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use 合同 because it matches the written form, but it can sound slightly stiff or less native compared to 合約. Additionally, ensure you use the correct measure word 份 when referring to a physical document.
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.
