hon3 jyu5漢語汉语
Jyutpinghon3 jyu5
Yalehon yúh
Definition
The Chinese language, encompassing all its varieties; sometimes used specifically to mean Mandarin.
- Chinese; the family of Sinitic languages, including Cantonese and Mandarin
- Mandarin or Standard Written Chinese
neutralcommunication
How it's used
Academic and formal contexts are where this term primarily lives, as it serves as a linguistic umbrella for all Chinese language varieties. In daily life, Cantonese speakers almost exclusively use 中文 to refer to the language in general, or specifically mention 廣東話 or 普通話. Using this term in casual conversation can sound overly clinical or like you are reading from a textbook.
Examples
She is majoring in Chinese linguistics at university.
Which dialect within the Sinitic languages do you think is the hardest to learn?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to mean the Cantonese language itself, as it is a broad category that includes Cantonese alongside many other distinct varieties. It is also frequently confused with the specific term for the national language of China, which is better referred to as 普通話.
Grammar color guide
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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.
