taam3 can1探親探亲
Jyutpingtaam3 can1
Yaletaam chān
Definition
To visit family or relatives, especially by traveling out of town or returning to one's hometown.
colloquialfamilytravel
How it's used
This term specifically implies traveling a significant distance to see family, often involving a trip back to one's ancestral home or a different country. It carries a sense of duty or long-term planning rather than a casual afternoon visit to a relative living in the same city. It is frequently used when someone takes leave from work for a holiday to reconnect with distant family members.
Examples
He is going back to his hometown to visit relatives next month.
When are you going to the United States to visit your relatives?
Related words
Common phrases
family visit leave
Common mistake
Do not use this for casual visits to relatives who live nearby in the same city. For those everyday visits, simply use 探 or 探望.
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.
