wai2 jyun2 jyu5委婉語委婉语
Jyutpingwai2 jyun2 jyu5
Yalewái yún yúh
Definition
Euphemism; a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be offensive or unpleasant.
neutralcommunication
How it's used
This term is primarily used in academic, linguistic, or formal discussions about language rather than in casual conversation. When people actually use euphemisms in daily life, they rarely label them as such, preferring to describe the act as 講得婉轉啲 or 講得好聽啲. It functions as a technical descriptor for the phenomenon of softening one's speech.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He used a euphemism, which just means he wanted to call someone stupid.
Related words
Common phrases
to use a euphemism
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common conversational term. Using it in a casual chat can sound overly formal or academic, as if you are giving a lecture on linguistics instead of just talking.
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.
