ngoi6 man4外文
Jyutpingngoi6 man4
Yalengoih màhn
Definition
Foreign language, especially a foreign written language.
neutralcommunication
How it's used
Refers specifically to written texts or scripts from abroad rather than just the spoken language. It is often used to describe documents, books, or signs that are not in Chinese or the local lingua franca. While it can technically refer to spoken languages, people usually prefer 外語 when talking about the ability to speak or learn a foreign tongue.
Measure word
zung3種jungExamples
He really likes researching different foreign languages.
Related words
Common phrases
foreign language newspaper
foreign language magazine
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 外語, which is more commonly used for the skill of speaking or learning a foreign language. Using 外文 to describe your own ability to speak a language can sound slightly unnatural or overly formal.
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.
