hoeng1 haa2 jam1鄉下音乡下音
Jyutpinghoeng1 haa2 jam1
Yalehēung há yām
Definition
A rural country accent.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Refers specifically to the distinct phonetic features associated with speakers from rural areas or non-urban regions. It often carries a slight connotation of being unrefined or less educated, though it is frequently used neutrally to describe someone's regional background. People from major cities like Hong Kong or Guangzhou often use this to identify someone as coming from a village or a less developed area.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with dialect, which is 方言. Using this term to describe someone's speech can be perceived as condescending or mocking depending on the tone and context.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
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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.
