jyu5 jin4語言语言
Jyutpingjyu5 jin4
Yaleyúh yìhn
Definition
Language; a system of communication consisting of symbols, sounds, patterns, or physical movements.
neutralcommunication
How it's used
While 語言 is the standard term for language in a formal or academic sense, it is less common in casual daily conversation than referring to specific dialects or tongues like 廣東話 or 英文. You will hear it more often when discussing linguistics, education, or when asking someone about their multilingual abilities. Using it in everyday chat can sound slightly intellectual or detached.
Measure word
zung3種jungExamples
Cantonese is a very unique language.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 語言 with 話. While 語言 refers to the abstract concept of a language system, 話 is used for specific spoken languages or dialects. For example, you would say 我講廣東話 instead of 我講廣東語言.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
