zyun3 toi4轉台转台
Jyutpingzyun3 toi4
Yalejyun tòih
Definition
To switch channels on a television or radio, or figuratively, to switch languages.
- to switch to another TV channel or radio station
- figurativeto switch to another language in communication
colloquialcommunicationdaily actions
How it's used
Beyond its literal meaning of changing television channels, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe switching between languages during a conversation. It captures the fluid, code-switching nature of Hong Kong bilingualism when speakers shift from Cantonese to English or Mandarin to accommodate their interlocutor. The term implies a deliberate, active choice to change the medium of communication.
Examples
This show is so boring, let's switch the channel.
Related words
Common phrases
switch to the news channel
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 轉工, which means to change jobs. While both involve the verb 轉, the object determines the context entirely.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
