zok3 gaa1作家
Jyutpingzok3 gaa1
Yalejok gā
Definition
Writer; author; wordsmith; someone who writes professionally with a certain level of achievement.
neutralpeoplework
How it's used
Using this term implies a level of professional recognition or artistic merit that goes beyond simply having written something. While 作者 is a neutral term for anyone who has authored a text, such as a report or a manual, calling someone a 作家 suggests they are a career writer or a literary figure. It is the standard term for novelists, poets, and essayists who are respected for their craft.
Measure word
wai6位waihExamples
He is a very famous writer.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this for someone who has only written a single article or a casual blog post, as it sounds overly grand and potentially sarcastic in those contexts. Use 作者 instead for general authorship.
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.
