hon4 se3寒舍
Jyutpinghon4 se3
Yalehòhn se
Definition
My humble home; a self-deprecating term used to refer to one's own house.
writtenhomepeople
How it's used
This term is a classic example of humble language used to show respect to a guest. It is almost exclusively used when inviting someone to your home or welcoming them inside, serving to lower your own status to elevate the guest. Using it in casual, everyday conversation with close friends can sound overly formal or even sarcastic.
Examples
Welcome to my humble home, it is quite small so I hope you do not mind.
Related words
Common phrases
to grace my humble home with your presence
Common mistake
Do not use this term to refer to someone else's home, as that would be extremely rude. It is strictly a self-referential term used to express modesty.
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.
