hon4 hyun1寒暄
Jyutpinghon4 hyun1
Yalehòhn hyūn
Definition
To exchange small talk or conventional pleasantries, especially with someone one does not know well.
neutralcommunicationpeople
How it's used
Focuses on the superficial or formal nature of social interaction rather than genuine conversation. It implies a sense of social obligation or politeness required when meeting acquaintances or strangers. The term carries a slightly detached or performative nuance compared to simply chatting.
Examples
They exchanged a few pleasantries at the door and then left.
Why do you need to make small talk with him? You two aren't even close.
Related words
Common phrases
exchange a few pleasantries
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for general chatting, but it specifically refers to the initial, polite, and often empty pleasantries exchanged before getting to the main point or when lacking a deeper connection.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
