hoi2 ngoi6 kiu4 baau1海外僑胞海外侨胞
Jyutpinghoi2 ngoi6 kiu4 baau1
Yalehói ngoih kìuh bāau
Definition
Overseas Chinese; Chinese compatriots residing abroad.
neutralpeople
How it's used
This term carries a formal and respectful tone, often used in official contexts or media reports to refer to the Chinese diaspora. It emphasizes the connection and emotional bond between those living abroad and their ancestral home. While it is understood by everyone, it is less common in casual, everyday conversation compared to terms like 華僑.
Measure word
wai6位waihExamples
Many overseas Chinese really miss Hong Kong.
Do you know that overseas Chinese person?
Related words
Common phrases
Overseas Chinese friendship association
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 移民, which simply means immigrant. 海外僑胞 specifically highlights the identity and cultural ties of the Chinese community living outside their home country, rather than just the act of moving abroad.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
