hoi1 fong1開方开方
Jyutpinghoi1 fong1
Yalehōi fōng
Definition
To extract a root of a number, such as a square root.
neutralschool
How it's used
Mathematical terminology in Cantonese often mirrors the structure of formal Chinese but is used freely in classroom settings. While it describes the specific operation of finding a square root, it is rarely used outside of academic or technical contexts. It is distinct from the common verb 開, which is used for opening doors or starting machines.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
square root
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 開方, which in a medical context can refer to a doctor writing a prescription. Context is essential to distinguish between a mathematical operation and a clinical instruction.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
