jat6 bun2 jyu5日本語日本语
Jyutpingjat6 bun2 jyu5
Yaleyaht bún yúh
Definition
The Japanese language.
neutralschoolcommunication
How it's used
Most Hong Kongers refer to the Japanese language as 日文 rather than 日本語. Using 日本語 sounds slightly more formal or academic, often appearing in the names of language schools or textbooks, but it is rarely used in casual daily conversation.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use 日本語 because it matches the Japanese term, but native speakers will almost exclusively use 日文 in everyday speech. Using 日本語 in a casual setting can sound a bit stiff or like you are reading from a textbook.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
