pang4朋
Jyutpingpang4
Yalepàhng
Definition
Friend or pal.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
Standalone usage of 朋 is extremely rare in modern spoken Cantonese, as it almost exclusively appears as a bound morpheme in compounds like 朋友. While it carries the meaning of friend, using it alone sounds archaic or poetic rather than conversational. Most speakers will default to using 朋友 for any social connection.
Examples
The two of them are good friends and always hang out together.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake 朋 for a standalone noun, but it is strictly a morpheme. Using it as a direct substitute for 朋友 in casual speech will sound unnatural or like you are reciting classical literature.
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.
