ou3澳
Jyutpingou3
Yaleou
Definition
Short form and abbreviation for Macau.
colloquialplacestravel
How it's used
This character is almost exclusively used in compound nouns or formal names like 港澳 or 澳車北上. While it can be used colloquially to refer to Macau, it is rarely used as a standalone noun in casual speech unless the context is already established. Using it as a shorthand for the city name sounds slightly more journalistic or like a travel headline.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 奧, which appears in names like 奧運. Also, avoid using it as a standalone word in formal writing, as it is strictly a shorthand and can sound overly abbreviated or informal.
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.
