ling1鈴铃
Jyutpingling1
Yalelīng
Definition
Girlfriend.
slangpeopleslang
How it's used
This term is specific to Hong Kong youth slang and carries a playful, slightly irreverent tone. It is not used in formal settings or when speaking to elders, as it can sound dismissive or overly casual. Using it implies a close, peer-level relationship where such slang is common.
Measure word
go3個goRelated words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of a bell or chime, which is the standard usage in most other Chinese-speaking regions. Using it to mean girlfriend in a professional or serious context will likely cause confusion or be seen as inappropriate.
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.
