hon3 zi6漢字汉字
Jyutpinghon3 zi6
Yalehon jih
Definition
Chinese character; the logographic writing system originating in China.
neutralschoolcommunication
How it's used
Refers specifically to the written script rather than the spoken language. While it is the standard term, speakers often use 字 to refer to characters in casual conversation when the context is already clear. It is rarely used in isolation when discussing the language as a whole, where 中文 is preferred.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
How do you pronounce this Chinese character?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 漢字文化圈, which refers to the broader cultural sphere. Learners sometimes mistakenly use 漢字 to mean the Chinese language itself, but it strictly refers to the individual characters.
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.
