mou5武
Jyutpingmou5
Yalemóuh
Definition
The Chinese surname Wu, usually transliterated as Mo in Cantonese.
neutralpeople
How it's used
Cantonese speakers typically romanize this surname as Mo, which aligns with the local pronunciation of the character in this specific context. It is distinct from the Mandarin romanization Wu, so be careful when reading names aloud if you are accustomed to Mandarin pinyin. This surname is relatively uncommon in Hong Kong compared to names like Chan or Wong.
Examples
Will Mr. Mo be going to work today?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse the surname pronunciation Mo with the standard dictionary reading of the character as mou, which is used in words like 武術 or 武器. In the context of a surname, the pronunciation shifts to follow the Cantonese romanization convention for this specific family name.
Grammar color guide
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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.
