ngoi6 zik6外籍
Jyutpingngoi6 zik6
Yalengoih jihk
Definition
Foreign nationality or citizenship.
neutralpeoplework
How it's used
Focuses specifically on legal nationality rather than ethnicity or race. It is a formal term often used in official documents, news reports, or professional settings to describe someone who does not hold a local passport. While it sounds professional, it is frequently paired with nouns like 人士 or 員工 to soften the tone.
Examples
He is a foreign national and cannot speak Cantonese.
Did your company hire many foreign employees?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone simply because they look different or speak a foreign language, as it specifically refers to their legal status or passport holding. Using it to label someone based on appearance can come across as exclusionary or rude.
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.
