hou3 hok6好學好学
Jyutpinghou3 hok6
Yalehou hohk
Definition
Eager to learn and fond of acquiring knowledge.
colloquialpeopleschool
How it's used
Describes a genuine, positive personality trait rather than just a temporary interest in a specific topic. It is often used to praise children or students for their curiosity and proactive attitude toward self-improvement. While it can apply to adults, it carries a slightly academic or virtuous tone.
Examples
He has been eager to learn since he was small, always asking questions.
Since you are so eager to learn, why not sign up for a class?
Related words
Common phrases
studious and tireless in learning
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin structure where 好 followed by a verb means 'easy to'. In Cantonese, 好學 is a compound adjective meaning 'studious' or 'eager to learn', not 'easy to learn'.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
