sing3 beng6性病
Jyutpingsing3 beng6
Yalesing behng
Definition
Sexually transmitted disease (STD); sexually transmitted infection.
neutralhealth
How it's used
Medical professionals and public health campaigns in Hong Kong often use this term to refer to a broad category of infections. While it is the standard clinical term, it carries a strong social stigma, so it is rarely used in casual conversation unless discussing health matters seriously. When speaking more neutrally or in a clinical setting, people might also refer to specific conditions by name rather than using this umbrella term.
Measure word
zung3種jungExamples
He is very afraid that he will contract an STD.
This type of STD can actually be cured.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this word as a casual insult or joke, as it is considered highly offensive and derogatory in social contexts. It is strictly a medical term and should be treated with the seriousness appropriate for health discussions.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
