hau2 jyu5口語口语

Jyutpinghau2 jyu5

Yaleháu yúh

名詞Uncommon

Definition

Spoken language, verbal expression, or colloquial speech.

neutralcommunication

How it's used

Refers specifically to the vernacular style of speech that differs from formal written Chinese. It encompasses the unique vocabulary, grammar, and sentence particles that define how people actually talk in Hong Kong. While often contrasted with 書面語, it is the primary medium for daily social interaction and emotional expression.

Examples

nei5你ping4平si4時tung4同uk1屋kei5企jan4人gong2講je5嘢hai6係jung6用hau2口jyu5語ding6定syu1書min2面jyu5語？

Do you usually use spoken or written language when talking to your family?

le1呢fan2份bou3報gou3告se2寫dak1得taai3太gwo3過hau2口jyu5語，jiu3要goi2改faan1返zing3正sik1式di1啲。

This report is written too colloquially, it needs to be more formal.

Common phrases

hau2口jyu5語faa3化

colloquialized

dei6地dou6道hau2口jyu5語

authentic spoken language

Common mistake

Learners often confuse the term with slang or vulgar language, but it simply refers to the natural, informal register used in everyday conversation. It is perfectly acceptable and expected in casual settings, even if it is considered inappropriate for formal academic or professional writing.