kaa1 laai1卡拉
Jyutpingkaa1 laai1
Yalekā lāai
Definition
Karaoke.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
While the term originates from the Japanese word for empty orchestra, it is almost exclusively used in the full compound 卡拉OK in Hong Kong. You will rarely hear someone just say 卡拉 on its own to refer to the activity. It functions as a noun for the venue or the entertainment itself.
Examples
Shall we go sing karaoke together tonight?
He really likes going to karaoke to sing old songs.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the English word karaoke, as the Cantonese pronunciation is distinct and follows the specific rhythm of the characters. Beginners often try to use it as a verb directly, but you must add 唱 before it to mean to sing karaoke.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
