long4琅
Jyutpinglong4
Yalelòhng
Definition
A jade-like stone, the tinkling of pendants, or the sound of reading aloud.
writtenother
How it's used
Primarily encountered in formal or literary contexts, this character is rarely used in daily speech except within specific idioms. It is most commonly associated with the sound of jade clashing or the rhythmic, melodic quality of someone reciting text aloud. You will almost exclusively see it in the set phrase 琅琅上口, which describes something easy to recite or catchy to sing.
Examples
This jade piece makes a tinkling sound.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 朗, which is the common character for bright or clear. While 琅琅上口 is the standard idiom, you might occasionally see people write 朗朗上口, but 琅琅 is the historically correct form referring to the sound of jade.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
