jyut6 jyu5粵語粤语
Jyutpingjyut6 jyu5
Yaleyuht yúh
Definition
Cantonese; the Yue language family or specifically Standard Cantonese.
- Yue Chinese; Cantonese languages spoken in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hong Kong and Macau
- Standard Cantonese, specifically as spoken in Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Macau
neutralcommunication
How it's used
Refers to the entire linguistic group including dialects like 台山話 and 圍頭話, whereas 廣東話 is the term most commonly used by locals to refer to the standard variety spoken in Hong Kong and Guangzhou. Using 粵語 in daily casual conversation can sound slightly academic or formal, as most people simply say 廣東話 when referring to their native tongue.
Examples
Do you usually speak Cantonese at home?
Learning Cantonese well is very helpful for living in Hong Kong.
Related words
Common phrases
Jyutping (Cantonese romanization)
Cantonese pop songs
Common mistake
Learners often use 粵語 to refer specifically to the Hong Kong dialect, but native speakers distinguish between the broader linguistic category and the specific regional variety they speak. Stick to 廣東話 for everyday social contexts to sound more natural.
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.
