hou6 ling6號令号令
Jyutpinghou6 ling6
Yalehouh lihng
Definition
An order or command, especially a military one.
neutralworkpeople
How it's used
This term carries a formal and authoritative weight, often evoking imagery of military or historical contexts. While it can be used metaphorically in daily life to describe someone acting bossy or issuing directives, it sounds quite dramatic and is not a standard way to describe everyday workplace instructions.
Measure word
dou6道douhExamples
At the general's command, the whole army set off immediately.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general words for instructions like 指示 or 命令. Using 號令 in a casual office setting can sound overly theatrical or sarcastic, as if you are comparing your boss to a military commander.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
