tong4 haak3堂客
Jyutpingtong4 haak3
Yaletòhng haak
Definition
Female guests, or women in general.
- female guests; lady guests
- women; ladies
colloquialpeople
How it's used
Historically used to refer to women in a household or female guests, this term can sound slightly old fashioned or rustic depending on the speaker's background. It is not commonly used in modern urban Hong Kong Cantonese to refer to women in general, as it carries a traditional, slightly formal or even rural nuance. Using it to describe a modern woman in a professional setting might come across as outdated or patronizing.
Measure word
wai6位waihExamples
There are a few lady guests coming for dinner tonight.
The women in that shop are very noisy.
Related words
Common phrases
to entertain lady guests
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 客人, which is the standard, neutral term for any guest regardless of gender. Using 堂客 to address a woman directly is often considered rude or inappropriate in contemporary social interactions.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
