hon2罕
Jyutpinghon2
Yalehón
Definition
Rare; scarce; seldom seen.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
Functions primarily as a bound morpheme in Cantonese, meaning it rarely stands alone as a complete adjective in daily speech. It is almost always paired with other characters to form compound words like 罕見 or 罕有. When describing something as uncommon, native speakers overwhelmingly prefer using 少見 or 唔常見 instead.
Examples
This kind of flower is very rare.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use 罕 as a standalone adjective like a typical English word, but it sounds unnatural or overly literary in spoken Cantonese. Always combine it with another character to form a compound.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
