jat6 bun2 gwok3日本國日本国
Jyutpingjat6 bun2 gwok3
Yaleyaht bún gwok
Definition
Japan; a country in East Asia.
neutralplacestravel
How it's used
Adding 國 to the end of a country name is a formal or literary practice that sounds unnatural in everyday spoken Cantonese. Most speakers simply use 日本 to refer to the country, as the suffix is typically reserved for official documents or historical contexts.
Examples
When are you going to Japan for a trip?
Related words
Common mistake
Using 國 in casual conversation makes you sound like you are reading from a textbook or a formal government announcement. Stick to just 日本 to sound like a local.
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.
