waa4 kiu4華僑华侨
Jyutpingwaa4 kiu4
Yalewàh kìuh
Definition
Overseas Chinese; ethnic Chinese people living outside of China.
neutralpeople
How it's used
This term specifically refers to individuals of Chinese descent who hold citizenship in another country. It carries a slightly formal or patriotic nuance, often used in contexts involving government policy or community associations. In casual daily speech, people might simply use 華人 to describe anyone of Chinese ethnicity regardless of their nationality.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
This overseas Chinese has returned to Hong Kong to visit relatives.
Do you know that overseas Chinese person?
Related words
Common phrases
overseas Chinese
overseas Chinese community organization
Common mistake
Avoid using this term for someone who is simply a tourist or an immigrant who has not yet obtained foreign citizenship, as it implies a permanent status abroad.
Grammar color guide
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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.
