hau2 gung1口供
Jyutpinghau2 gung1
Yaleháu gūng
Definition
A deposition, witness statement, or testimony regarding a legal case.
neutralother
How it's used
Primarily used in legal or police contexts, this term refers specifically to the formal account provided by a witness or suspect. While it sounds formal, it is frequently heard in television dramas and news reports, making it widely understood by the general public. It carries a sense of official gravity that separates it from a casual story or explanation.
Measure word
fan2份fánExamples
The police told him to go to the station to record a statement.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to mean a general statement or opinion, as it specifically implies a formal record given to authorities. Using it to describe a casual conversation or a personal claim will sound unnatural and overly dramatic.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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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.
