ho2 oi3可愛可爱
Jyutpingho2 oi3
Yalehó oi
Definition
Cute; lovely; lovable; adorable, usually describing someone or something small and harmless.
colloquialdescriptionspeople
How it's used
While standard Chinese uses 可愛 to describe people or things that are lovable, Cantonese speakers often prefer the more colloquial term 得意 when describing something cute or funny. Use 可愛 when you want to emphasize a sense of endearment or innocence, whereas 得意 is more versatile for describing anything that catches your eye as charming or amusing.
Examples
le1 zek3 maau1 zai2 zan1 hai6 hou2 ho2 oi3 aa4
呢隻貓仔真係好可愛呀。
This little kitten is really adorable.
nei5 go3 joeng2 gam3 ho2 oi3 bin1 go3 se2 dak1 naau6 nei5 aa4
你個樣咁可愛，邊個捨得鬧你呀？
You look so cute, who would have the heart to scold you?
Related words
Common phrases
hou2 ho2 oi3
好可愛
very cute
ho2 oi3 ge3 joeng2
可愛嘅樣
cute appearance
Common mistake
Avoid using 可愛 to describe adults in a professional setting, as it can sound patronizing or imply they are childish. When referring to a person's appearance, it is safer to use 靚 or 順眼 unless you have a close, informal relationship with them.
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
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.
