koeng4 gwok3強國强国
Jyutpingkoeng4 gwok3
Yalekèuhng gwok
Definition
A powerful country, or a sarcastic slang term for mainland China.
- a strong country; a superpower
- slanga sarcastic or humorous term for China (PRC)
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Originally a neutral term for a powerful nation, this word has evolved into a highly loaded, often sarcastic label for the People's Republic of China. Using it in conversation can signal a specific political stance or a mocking attitude toward mainland Chinese tourists and cultural influence. It is rarely used in formal or neutral contexts when referring to other historical or global superpowers.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He always says his country is a superpower.
Do you think they count as a superpower?
Related words
Common phrases
people from the PRC (often used pejoratively)
the dream of becoming a superpower
Common mistake
Avoid using this term in professional or polite settings, as it is widely perceived as derogatory or provocative rather than a simple description of national strength.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
