joeng4 jan4洋人
Jyutpingjoeng4 jan4
Yaleyèuhng yàhn
Definition
Westerner; a white person of Western origin.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
Refers specifically to people of European descent, reflecting a historical perspective where foreigners arrived by sea. It is a common, descriptive term in casual speech but can sometimes carry a slightly dated or detached nuance compared to more neutral terms like 外國人. It is rarely used to address someone directly, as it functions more as a label to identify someone's background.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
That Caucasian person speaks Cantonese very fluently.
Do you know that Caucasian person?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this term to refer to all foreigners, as it specifically targets those of Caucasian appearance. Using it for people from other Asian countries or non-white backgrounds is incorrect and can be perceived as insensitive.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
