ho4 laan1 seoi2荷蘭水荷兰水
Jyutpingho4 laan1 seoi2
Yalehòh lāan séui
Definition
An old-fashioned, dated term for soft drinks, especially carbonated ones.
dateddrink
How it's used
Refers specifically to carbonated, sweetened beverages, often sold in glass bottles with a marble stopper in the past. It carries a strong sense of nostalgia and is rarely used by younger generations to describe modern soft drinks like cola or juice. Using it today often signals a deliberate attempt to evoke a vintage or old-fashioned atmosphere.
Measure word
zi1支jīExamples
When I was a kid, I loved drinking soda the most.
Do you still have any soda for sale?
Related words
Common phrases
to drink soda
Common mistake
Do not use this to refer to modern canned or bottled soft drinks, as it will sound confusing or overly archaic to native speakers. Stick to using 汽水 for everyday situations.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
