zou2 gwok3祖國祖国
Jyutpingzou2 gwok3
Yalejóu gwok
Definition
One's homeland, motherland, or country of origin with which one identifies.
neutralpeopleother
How it's used
This term carries a strong emotional and political weight that is often absent in casual conversation. While it refers to one's native country, it is frequently used in formal, patriotic, or nostalgic contexts rather than when simply discussing travel or geography. Using it in everyday speech can sound overly formal or even loaded depending on the speaker's political stance.
Examples
When was the last time you went back to your homeland to visit relatives?
Related words
Common phrases
to love one's homeland passionately
to build up the motherland
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 國家, which is a neutral, factual term for a country. Using 祖國 in a casual setting to describe a place you just visited for a holiday will sound unnatural and overly dramatic.
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.
