hon4 gaa3寒假
Jyutpinghon4 gaa3
Yalehòhn ga
Definition
Winter break or winter vacation.
neutralschooltime
How it's used
Unlike in mainland China, where 寒假 refers to a specific long break surrounding the Lunar New Year, Hong Kong students typically refer to the Christmas and New Year period as 聖誕假. Using 寒假 in a local context can sound slightly academic or borrowed from Mandarin, as the school system here does not formally designate a winter break in the same way.
Examples
Where are you planning to go for your winter break this year?
I want to stay home and rest more during the winter break.
Related words
Common phrases
to have a winter break
Common mistake
Do not assume that 寒假 implies a long break from school in Hong Kong, as the term is not standard in local school calendars and may cause confusion if used to describe the Christmas holiday.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
