zung1 gwok3 daai6 luk6中國大陸中国大陆
Jyutpingzung1 gwok3 daai6 luk6
Yalejūng gwok daaih luhk
Definition
Mainland China; the continental territory of China, typically excluding Taiwan.
neutralplaces
How it's used
Refers specifically to the geographical and political entity excluding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. While often used in formal or news contexts, locals frequently shorten it to 大陸 in casual conversation. Be aware that using the full term can sound slightly more formal or distant depending on the social setting.
Examples
He will go to Mainland China for a business trip next month.
Related words
Common phrases
go back to Mainland China
Mainland China region
Common mistake
Avoid using the term to refer to Hong Kong or Macau, as locals distinguish these regions clearly from the mainland. Using it to include these areas can cause confusion or be seen as politically insensitive.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
