maa4 fung1痲瘋痲疯
Jyutpingmaa4 fung1
Yalemàh fūng
Definition
Leprosy; a chronic infectious disease affecting the skin and nerves.
neutralhealth
How it's used
Modern medical discourse in Hong Kong prefers the term 癩病 or 漢生病 to avoid the historical stigma associated with 痲瘋. Using this term in a clinical or formal setting can sound outdated or insensitive due to its long history of being used as a derogatory label for social outcasts.
Examples
People in the past were very afraid of contracting leprosy.
Do you know how leprosy is transmitted?
Common mistake
Avoid using this word as a metaphor for someone you dislike or find repulsive, as it carries a heavy history of discrimination against patients.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
