jat1 tiu4 laang5一條冷一条冷
Jyutpingjat1 tiu4 laang5
Yaleyāt tìuh láahng
Definition
One person; a lone individual.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
Originating from the Teochew word for person, this term carries a slightly more emphatic or descriptive nuance than just saying 一個人. It highlights the state of being solitary, often with a subtle touch of pity or a sense of being left to one's own devices. It is frequently used to describe someone doing an activity alone that is typically done with others.
Examples
He always goes to the cinema all by himself.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Cantonese word 冷, which means cold. The usage here is strictly a loanword for person, so it should only be used in the specific phrase 一條冷 to mean one person.
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.
