wui4 lau4回流
Jyutpingwui4 lau4
Yalewùih làuh
Definition
To return to one's homeland after having emigrated.
colloquialpeopleplaces
How it's used
Originally a term from fluid dynamics, this word became a common label for the wave of emigrants who returned to Hong Kong after living abroad for years. It carries a specific nuance of someone who has already established a life elsewhere before choosing to reverse their migration path. It is rarely used for simple travel or short-term stays, focusing instead on the permanent relocation of one's base.
Examples
keoi5佢dei6哋jat1一gaa1家jan4人ji4移zo2咗man4民gei2幾nin4年，zeoi3最gan6近kyut3決ding6定wui4回lau4流faan1返hoeng1香gong2港。
Their family emigrated for a few years, but they recently decided to move back to Hong Kong.
Do you have any friends around you who have moved back home?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this word for someone who is simply returning from a vacation or a business trip. It specifically implies a previous act of emigration, meaning the person had left their home country with the intention of settling elsewhere for a significant period.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
