zuk6 jyu5俗語俗语
Jyutpingzuk6 jyu5
Yalejuhk yúh
Definition
Common saying, idiom, or folk adage popular in a particular time and place.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
Refers specifically to colloquial expressions or idiomatic phrases that are widely understood within a particular community. It often carries a sense of informality or local flavor, distinguishing it from formal literary language. When someone uses a term that is uniquely Hong Kong, it is frequently introduced as a local 俗語.
Measure word
geoi3句geuiExamples
He really likes using old-fashioned idioms.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid confusing this with 俚語, which specifically refers to slang or jargon that may be restricted to certain social groups or subcultures. While 俗語 is generally understood by the public, 俚語 can sometimes be obscure or offensive.
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.
