jik6 jam1譯音译音
Jyutpingjik6 jam1
Yaleyihk yām
Definition
Transliteration; phonetic transcription.
neutralcommunication
How it's used
Transliteration in Cantonese often involves adapting foreign sounds to fit the local phonology, which can result in words that sound quite different from the original source. It is frequently used for brand names, place names, and loanwords from English. Unlike formal translation, the focus here is purely on phonetic mimicry rather than semantic meaning.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
This name is a transliteration from English.
Do you know what transliteration McDonald's is?
Related words
Common phrases
English transliteration
Common mistake
Learners often confuse transliteration with literal translation. Remember that transliteration focuses on the sound of the word, whereas translation focuses on the meaning.
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.
