kwan1 zung6昆仲
Jyutpingkwan1 zung6
Yalekwān juhng
Definition
Brothers.
writtenfamilypeople
How it's used
This term is a formal and respectful way to address or refer to someone else's brothers. It carries a literary and polite tone, often used in written correspondence or formal introductions to show deference. You would rarely use this when speaking casually about your own siblings.
Examples
The two brothers have an incredibly close relationship.
May I ask if your brothers also work here?
Related words
Common phrases
the two brothers
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this term to refer to their own brothers in casual conversation, which sounds overly stiff and unnatural. Stick to 兄弟 for everyday speech.
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.
