kai3 daan1契丹
Jyutpingkai3 daan1
Yalekai dāan
Definition
Khitan, an ancient nomadic people of northern China and Mongolia, or Cathay (an archaic name for China).
- Khitan, an ancient nomadic nation in northern China and Mongolia
- literaryCathay; an archaic name for China
neutralother
How it's used
Historically referring to the nomadic Khitan people who established the Liao dynasty, this term is now primarily used in a literary or historical context. In modern spoken Cantonese, it is rarely used to refer to the country of China itself, as that usage is considered archaic or poetic. It is most frequently encountered in historical discussions or when referencing the etymological roots of the name Cathay in Western languages.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this term to refer to modern China in daily conversation, as it sounds extremely outdated and potentially confusing to native speakers who associate it strictly with ancient history.
Grammar color guide
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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.
