hau2 hung4口紅口红
Jyutpinghau2 hung4
Yaleháu hùhng
Definition
Lipstick; cosmetics applied to the lips to color and define them.
colloquialclothing
How it's used
While 口紅 is understood, 唇膏 is the overwhelmingly preferred term in daily Hong Kong speech. Using 口紅 can sound slightly more formal or influenced by Mandarin, whereas 唇膏 feels completely natural in any beauty or shopping context.
Measure word
zi1支jīExamples
You are wearing lipstick today, you look much more energetic.
Related words
Common phrases
to apply lipstick
Common mistake
Learners often use 口紅 because it directly translates from English, but you will sound much more like a local if you stick to 唇膏.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
