ngai4魏
Jyutpingngai4
Yalengàih
Definition
A Chinese surname, or the name of various ancient Chinese states.
- a Chinese surname, often transliterated as Ngai
- name of various ancient Chinese states, such as Wei of the Warring States
neutralpeople
How it's used
Pronunciation varies significantly depending on whether the character is used as a surname or a historical state name. When used as a surname in Hong Kong, it is almost exclusively pronounced as Ngai. In historical contexts referring to the ancient states, it is typically pronounced as Wei to align with standard historical nomenclature.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse the surname pronunciation Ngai with the Mandarin pronunciation Wei. Always use Ngai when referring to a person with this surname in a Hong Kong context.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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Classifier
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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.
