Cantonese All Vocab - Mr Neill Lee



	Cantonese All Vocab
	A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A firstitem a = jat1 (一) abandon/let fall into disrepair/remain uncultivated/neglect = fong1 fai3 (荒廢) fong1 (荒) = shortage/scarcity/deficiency/desolate/barren/waste/neglect/be out of practice/famine/crop failure/absurd/unreasonable/incredible/dissolute/self-indulgent fai3 (廢) = [adj] useless/invalid/disabled/deserted/waste/dispirited / [v] give up/abolish/depose about (talking about) = about person/thing = gong2 (講) + person/thing say/speak = gong2 (講) said in this way = gam2 (joeng2) gong2 (噉樣講) about a subject = gong2 (講) + tung4 (同) + subject + jau5 gwaan1 (有關) / mou5 gwaan1 (冇關) (not related) / gwaan1 jyu1 (關於) gwaan1 (關) = [v] close/shut/turn off/concern/involve/relate to / [n] frontier pass/checkpoint/customs/customs house/turning point/critical juncture jyu1 (於) = [prep] in/at/on (a certain time/place)/(indicating the object of an action) with/on/from/(indicating the performer of an action) by/(indicating comparison) than / [verb/adjectival suffix] with regard to/concerning/towards zung1 jyu1 (終於) + verb = finally/in the end/at last/at long last + verb / more likely zeot1 zi1 (卒之) or (dou3) zeoi3 hau6 ((到)最後) zeot1 (卒) = soldier/pawn/servant/finish/end/die/finally/at last cyut3 (卒) = suddenly/abruptly/unexpectedly \| variant: cyut3 (猝) mou5 gwaan1 hai6 (冇關係) = no relation to/never mind about a subject = gong2 (講) + deoi3 + subject gam2 gok3 (感覺) = in this way believe i.e. feelings towards gam2 (感) = [v] feel/find/perceive/sense/respond to/emotion/sensation according to/based on/basis/foundation/reference = gan1 geoi3 (根據) all about/absolutely need to = hou2 gong2 (好講) hou2 naan4 gong2 (好難講) = hard to say/there's no telling/uncertain speaking about (that one thing just mentioned) = gong2 joeng6 (講樣) gong2 siu3 wan2 dai6 joeng62 (講笑搵第樣 ) = this is no laughing matter/don't joke around (often used to dismiss a suggestion) [literal] if you want to joke, find sth else things he spoke = gong2 ge3 je5 (講嘅嘢) to connect/to exchange/communication = kau1 tung1 (溝通) debate//to argue over = bin6 leon6 (辯論) argue/debate/dispute = bin6 (辯) [v] discuss/mention/talk about/determine/regard/consider / [n] view/opinion/statement/theory/doctrine/dissertation / [prep] by/according to/in terms of = leon6 (論) dispute/disagree = zang1 zap1 (爭執) zang1 (爭) = compete for/contend for/strive for/dispute/argue/struggle/fight zaang1 (爭) = [Cantonese only] owe/be behind with (money/debt)/lack/be short of (resources)/be partial to/side with emphasise = koeng4 diu6 (強調) moderate = wo4 wun6 (和緩) accept = zip3 sau6 (接受) pick up (somebody) = zip3 (接) zip3 (接) = catch/take/get hold of/receive/welcome/connect/join/put together/come close to/make contact with/continue/go on/take over welcome = jing4 zip3 (迎接) meet/greet/welcome/receive/confront/go against/face = jing4 (迎) pick up service = zip3 sung3 fuk6 mou6 (接送服務) sung3 (送) = send/deliver/dispatch/convey/give (as a gift)/present/see sb off/out/accompany sb to/take/drive sb to/lose/waste mou6 (務) = [v] be engaged in/devote one's efforts to / [n] task/affair/business / [adv] definitely/necessarily/must zip3 zuk1 (接觸) = to contact/to be in touch/a contact zuk1 (觸) = strike/hit/run against/move/stir up sb's feelings/offend/violate/infuriate receive/accept/get/take/bear/stand/suffer/tolerate/endure/be pleasant to (the ears, etc)/preceding a verb to form a passive voice = sau6 (受) accessory = pui3 gin2 (配件) pui3 (配) = to join in marriage/marry/to mate / [n] a mate/spouse/wife or husband/harmonise with/accompaniment/supporting/distribute/apportion/equip/designate/mix/blend/match up/dispense/compound/replace/refill/accessorise/have a duplicate/deserve/qualify/suit/be worthy of/exile/banish/deport/expel/send away gin2/6 (件) = [n, classifier] item/piece/article (of countable objects) / [n] letter/document/correspondence spare parts/spares = ling4 gin2 (零件) ling4 (零) = [n] zero/null/nil/nought / [conj] and (used between two denominations) / [adj] fragmentary/fractional / [v] (of plants, flowers, etc) wither accident = ji3 ngoi6 (意外) on purpose = zyun1 dang1 (專登) purposely/on purpose/deliberately/intentionally/specially, especially = dak6 dang1 (特登) dak6 (特) = special/unique/distinguished/peculiar/particular/outstanding/unusual/extraordinary/exclusive/just/merely/only / [n] bull dang1 (登) = ascend/climb/mount/reach/rise/publish/record/carry/enter / (of grain) ripen/mature dang1 gei3 (登記) = to register/to check-in (e.g. at the airport or hotel) accompany = sung3 (送) (walking, leaving a place) / pui4 (陪) (sitting with) soeng1 sung3 (相送) = traditional story about accompanying back and forth pui4 bun6 (陪伴) = to accompany/to keep someone company activity = wut6 dung6 (活動) wut6 (活) = [v] live/exist/survive/save the life of/keep alive / [n] work/job/livelihood / [adj] vivid/lively/active/movable/moving/flexible/live/alive/living actor = jin2 jyun4 (演員) jin2 (jin5) (演) = perform/play/act/be cast as/deduce/elaborate/expound/drill/practise/exercise/develop/evolve/resolve into theatre = kek6 coeng4 (劇場) / hei3 kek6 (戲劇) [n] theatrical work/drama/play/opera / [adj] acute/sharp/severe/intense = kek6 (劇) waa2 kek6 (話劇) = a (theatrical) play mak6 kek6 = mime (默劇) din6 jing2 (電影) = film din6 jing2 jip6 (電影業) = movie industry added together = gaa1 maai4 (加埋) lou1 maai4 (撈埋) = to mix lou1 (撈) = earn a living/often in a seedy profession/mix evenly/thoroughly/get by improper means laau4 (撈) = dredge up/scoop up from water/fish for adjust = gaau3 (校) adult = daai6 jan4 (大人) / daai6 jan4 daai6 ze2 (大人大姐) common people = sai3 jan4 (世人) villain/snob = siu2 jan4 (although can be used for children's book) (小人) children's book = siu2 jan4 ji4 syu1 (小人兒書) ji4 (兒) = child/baby / [n] son / oneself/referring to oneself when addressing parent nappy = liu6 pin2 (尿片) child friendly = ji4 tung4 jau5 sin6 (兒童友善) child/minor/virgin/bare/bald/barren (hill, etc) = tung4 (童) amicability/fraternization/friendship = jau5 sin6 (友善) [n] friend/companion/friendly/friendship/fraternity/fraternal love / [v] befriend = jau5 (友) good/virtuous/charitable/kind/goodness/virtue/good deeds/benevolent actions / [v] be good at/be skilled in/perfect/make a success of/remedy/relieve / properly = sin6 (善) to5 sin6 (妥善) = appropriate/proper to5 (妥) = appropriate/proper/suitable/ready/settled/finished advanced = sin1 zeon3 (先進) advance/move forward/go ahead/enter/come/go/get into/eat/drink/take (meal)/present/submit/offer/receive/purchase/recruit = zeon3 (進) to advance/to carry out/to go forward/to do/to execute/to undertake/to take place = zeon3 hang4 (進行) advert = gwong2 gou3 (廣告) / gou3 baak6 (告白) gwong2 (廣) = broad/wide/vastnumerous/ [v] expand/spread/stretch/promote/ [n] Guangdong province/Guangzhou city gou3 (告) = inform/notify/report to/proclaim/declare/announce/prosecute/sue/accuse/complain about/tell on/ask for/request/solicit baak6 (白) = white/clear/pure/unblemished/bright/clean/plain/empty/blank/in vain/for nothing/free of charge/gratis/the spoken part in an opera, etc./ [v] state/explain affect = jing2 hoeng2 (影響) shadow/image/reflection/ trace/vague impression/copy and imitate/hide/sundial = jing2 (影) sound/echo/report/ring/noisy/loud = hoeng2 (響) afraid = geng1 (驚) / paa3 (avoid) (怕) [v] frighten/surprise/startle / [adj] scary/surprised/startled = geng1/ging1 (驚) geng1 (驚) = for person means phobia paa3 = [v] fear/dread/be afraid of/worry about / [adv] perhaps/maybe/I am afraid/I suppose geng1 (驚) & hung2 paa3 (恐怕) = can also be used as "I am afraid that ... is not possible." or "perhaps", hung2 (恐) = [v] fear/dread/be scared of/terrify/intimidate/threaten/ [adv] perhaps/probably/may hung2 geoi6 (恐懼) = fear/dread geoi6 (懼) = fear/dread/scare/frighten/be afraid of panic attack = ging1 hung2 zing3 (驚恐症) ging1 haak3 (驚嚇) = to horrify/terrify/scare haak3 (嚇) = frighten/threaten/scare/intimidate/startle haa1 (嚇) = [interjection] tut/tut-tut/humph zing3 (症) = disease/illness/ailment/symptom (of disease) scary/terror = hung2 bou3 (恐怖) bou3 (怖) = fear/be afraid of/terrified/frightened / [v] frighten/threaten aisle = hong4 (行) again = zoi3 (再) / jau6 hai6 (又係) / cung4 fuk1 (重複)=to repeat zoi3 (再) = again/repeated/re-/still/further/then jau6 hai6 (又係) / Std. Chin jau6 si6 (又是) = again/another/yet another/still/the same as / Std. Chin jau6 si6 (又是)=again is say the same thing again and again = gong2 lai4 gong2 heoi3 (講嚟講去) jau6 (又) = and/also/again/in addition to/moreover/furthermore/and (used in a mixed fraction such as one and three fourths) age = seoi3 (歲) (if following a number) / nin4 gei2 (around an age) / seoi3 sou3 (歲數) (at an exact age) young = hau6 saang1 (後生) / nin4 heng1 (year light) (年輕) / sai3 go3 (細個) / cing1 ceon1 (youth/youthfulness/youthful days) (青春) childhood = sai3 go3 ge3 si4 gaan3 (細個嘅時間) / tung4 nin4 (童年) agree = tung4 ji3 (同意) good idea = hou2 zyu2 ji3 (好主意) air = (hung1 (空)) hei3 (氣) hei3 (氣) = steam/vapor/gas in the air = hai2 hung1 zung1 (喺空中) (at air middle) balloon = hei3 kau4 (氣球) (air ball) all (things in a group) = cyun4 bou6 (全部) cyun4 (全) = perfect/complete/whole/total/intact/all/entire/absolute/to keep whole or intact all (of 1 thing) = seng4/sing4 go3 (成個) all (period of time) = seng4 + period of time (e.g. day = jat6) other uses of 'seng4' (成) = jat1 zi1 (一支) / zeon1 seng4 (樽成) lit = 1 bottle all 1 litre (i.e. 1 litre bottle) emphasise that important number information is to follow = seng4 (成) .... allergy = man5 gam2 (敏感) (can also be used for overly sensitive) almost/nearly/around = caa1 m4 do1 (差唔多) / zau6 lai4 (就來) (nearly/almost/close to) / zau6 lai4/lei4 (就嚟) (soon/almost) / gam3 zai6 (咁滯) (almost/nearly/quite) caa1 (差) = [adj] inferior/substandard/erroneous / [v] diverge from/be dissimilar/fall short of/lack/be less than/be short of/[n] difference/discrepancy/dissimilarity/mistake/error/slip / [adv] slightly/barely/only just / [math] [n] difference / ant. wo4 (和) wo4 (和) = [adj] gentle/mild/calm/harmonious/on good terms / [v] make peace/cease fighting/draw/tie (a match/game/etc) / [conj, prep] and/with/to/as / [n] sum/aggregate/gross/ [ant] caa1 (差) / [n] Japan/Japanese wo6 (和) = [v] sing along with others/echo what others say wu2 (和) = [n] winning hand in mahjong or card games caai1 (差) = [v] send on an errand/dispatch/assign / [n] errand/mission/assignment/errand boy/messenger/runner ci1 (差) = [adj] uneven/irregular/not uniform zau6 (就) = right away/only/just/almost/approach/comply with/follow/with regard to/contrasts with lai4/loi4 (嚟/來) = (嚟) - [v] come/arrive / [final particle] have just been / [prep] to/for/since/in order to (來) - come/arrive/occur/future/coming/next/for/in/during/over/used after a verb to indicate the result (to)/used after more than one numeral to list the point gam3 (咁) = so/to such a great degree (used to modify the following adjective)/-ly/in the manner of (used to modify the following verb) zai6 (滯) = stagnant/sluggish/motionless/(of stomach) bloated/full/stuffed/(of food) fatty/greasy/oily already = ji5 ging1 (已經) ji5 (已) = already / [v] come to an end/finish/complete/finished/stop/cease/used to indicate the past/excessive/very/much/a final particle to add emphasis also/as well/additionally/even = (jik6) dou1 ((亦)都) / ji4 ce2 (而且) / zung6 jiu3 (仲要) / jau6 (又) ce2 (且) = [adv] just/for the time being/for the moment / [conj] moreover/even/both..and.. zeoi1 (且) = [final particle] similar to ze2 (者) ze2 (者) = he who/those who/a particle combining with some words to form adverbials jau6 (又) = used multiple adjectives before each adjective (like "and" but also comes before 1st adjective) e.g. keoi5 jau6 leng3 jau6 lek1 (佢又靚又叻) jau6 (又) = also used in sentences: verb + as much as possible without .... e.g. compete to pull as long as possible without breaking = dau3 laai1 dak1 coeng4 jau6 m4 (ce2) tyun5 (鬥拉得長又唔(扯)斷) jik6 (亦) = also/too/both altogether = jat1 gung6 (一共) always = verb + hoi1 (開) / bat1 lau1 (不摟) bat1 lau1 (不摟) = have long since/have always been/consistently/all along and/same/with/for = tung4 (同) (as and implies equal importance) and (when listing things) = tung4 maai4 (同埋) zau6 gong2 (就講) = and (then say) as with = tung4…jat1 cai4 (同...一齊) within = zi1 noi6 (之內) zi1 (之) = [particle] 's/of (used between two nouns to show possession or subordination) / [pron] it/him/her/them (used as object after a verb) / [pron] this/that/these/those / [particle] used in certain set phrases for 'decorative' purpose, e.g. gau2 ji4 gau2 zi1 (久而久之) / [v] go to/leave for/arrive at / [prep] to/until / [n] zigzag/winding/S-shaped road worldwide = sei3 hoi2 zi1 noi6 (四海之內) all are brothers within the four seas = sei3 hoi2 zi1 noi6 gaai1 hing1 dai6 (四海之內皆兄弟) gaai1 (皆) = all/every/entire and with negative nuance = gaap3 maai4 (夾埋) angry = lau1 (嬲) animal = dung6 mat6 (動物) dung6 (動) = [v] move/stir/change/alter/act/do/touch (one's heart)/arouse/excite/move/take up/use/eat or drink/movement/action/motion mat6 (物) = [n] thing/substance/creature/being/matter/content/substance/stuff/the physical world/nature/other people zek3 (隻) = classifier for certain animals/containers/small boats/paired things, etc / single/alone/one only beast/animal/brutal/bestial = sau3 (獸) bee = mat6 fung1 (蜜蜂) bird = zoek3 zai2 bird species = liu5 leoi6 (hok6) (鳥類學) liu5 (鳥) = bird butterfly = wu4 dip2 (蝴蝶 - usually dip6) cat = maau1 (貓) cockroach = gaat6 zaat2 dog = gau2 (狗) stray/wandering = lau4 long6 (流浪) lau4 (流) = [v] (of liquid) flow/discharge/drift/wander/move from place to place/circulate/spread/pass down to/degenerate/change for the worse / [n] current/water flow/river branch/class/grade/rate/rank / [adj] fake/false/inferior long6 (浪) = [n] wave/breaker/billow/something resembling waves / [adj] dissolute/unrestrained/rash dolphin = hoi2 tyun4 (海豚) dragon = lung4 (龍) fish = jyu2/4 (魚) fly (insect) = wu1 jing1 (烏蠅) gecko = jim4 se2 (檐蛇) (George) giraffe = coeng4 geng2 luk2/6 (長頸鹿) / traditionally known as kei4 leon4 (麒麟) luk6 (鹿) = deer/stag/doe/state power kei4 leon4 (麒麟) = (Chinese) unicorn/a mythical deer-like animal/kylin/kirin/Kirin Beer goat = saan1 joeng4 (山羊) joeng4 (羊) = sheep/goat/lamb horse = maa5 (馬) insect/worm = cung4 (蟲) / siu2 dung6 mat6 (少動物) lion = si1 zi2 (獅子) lizard = sik1 jik6 (蜥蜴 - lizard lizard) mouse = lou5 syu2 (老鼠) monkey = maa5 lau41 (馬騮) pig (豬) = zyu1 (zek3 (隻)) pet = cung2 mat6 (寵物) joeng5 (養) = [v] support/sustain/provide for/breed/raise/grow/keep/rest/convalesce/recuperate/give birth to / [adj] foster/adoptive/adopted sponsor (financially) a child/animal = zo6 joeng5 (助養) zo6 (助) = [v] help/aid/assist/help/assistance sponsor (financially) an event/org = zaan3 zo6 (贊助) zaan3 (贊) = support/favour/assist/aid rabbit = tou3 zai2 (兔仔) (zai2 (仔) not strictly necessary but commonly used) shark = saa1 jyu4 (鯊魚) sheep = min4 joeng2/4 (綿羊) min4 (綿) = [v] extend continuously / [n] silk floss / [adj] mild/soft/meek prawn/shrimp = haa1 (蝦) tiger/a powerful person in the criminal underworld = lou5 fu2 (老虎) tortoise = (wu1) gwai1 ((烏)龜) turkey = fo2 gai1 (火雞) whales = king4 jyu4 (鯨魚) another = ling6 (另) (jat1) / dai6 ji6 (第二) ordinal = dai6 (第) following day = dai6 ji6 jat6 (第二日) annoying (adjective) / troublesome/hassle = maa4 faan4 (麻煩) maa4 (麻) = [n] general name for hemp, flax, jute, etc/fibre of hemp, flax, etc for textile materials/sesame / [adj] coarse/rough / numb/tingling/spicy hot / pitted/spotted (sparrow, etc) faan4 (煩) = [adj] troublesome/irritable/fed up with/redundant and confusing / [v] vex/annoy/bore/disturb / [polite] trouble/bother despicable/detestable/contemptible/annoying = hat1 jan4 zang1 (乞人憎) (beg person hate) hat1 (乞) = [v] ask for alms/beg/request/entreat/pray humbly / [n] beggar beggar/panhandler/pauper = hat1 ji1 (ji4/1) (乞兒) irritable / easily annoyed / snappy = mang2 zang2 (�� / 蠻倀 / 憫憎) impatient/restless = mang2 (��) annoyed (but used in only in the compound form above) = zang2 (��) antique = gu2 (古) (go3 (個) / gin6 (件)) story = gu2 zai2 (古仔) / gu3 si6 (故事) gu2 (古) = ancient/old/classic/ancient times/things/antiquity zai2 (仔) = son/child/kid/boy/person/small animal, fowl or object gu3 (故) = former/old/past/ancient/reason/cause/excuse/pretext/therefore/hence/so/consequently/pass away/depart this life/die/old friend/acquaintance/friendship/incident/happening/event/accident/intentionall/deliberately/on purpose si6 (事) = matter/affair/thing/business/job/work/occupation/undertaking/accident/trouble/incident/be engaged in/go in for/wait upon/serve/attend fan6 noi6 si6 (份內事) = sth. that one views as his own responsibility/one's part/one's duty/one's role What happened? = (faat3 saang1) (發生) mat1 je5 si6 aa3 (乜野事呀)? any(thing)/whatever/whichever/whatsoever = jam6 ho4 (je5) (任何(嘢)) / si6 daan6 (是但) / gam2 dou1 dak1 (噉都得) appoint/assign/nominate/assume/take up/hold/official post/office/term/let/allow/give free reign/no matter (how, what, etc) = jam6 (任) what/why/where/when/which/how (in exclamation and counter-question) = ho4 (何) thing/things/matter/stuff = je5 (嘢) anyway = waang4 dim6 (橫掂) (in a sentence) / dim2 dou1 hou2 (點都好) / si6 daan6 (是但) / ji4 ce2 (而且) no matter what = mou4 leon6 dim2 dou1 hou2 (無論點都好) leon6 (論) = [v] discuss/mention/talk about/determine/regard/consider / [n] view/opinion/statement/theory/doctrine/dissertation / [prep] by/according to/in terms of si6 (是) = indeed/yes/right/positive/this/that/which / [v] to be (old form of is) daan6 (但) = but/however/yet but also/furthermore/anyways = ji4 ce2 (而且) ce2 (且) = [adv] just/for the time being/for the moment / [conj] moreover/even/both..and.. zeoi1 (且) = [final particle] similar to ze2 (者) - he who/those who/a particle combining with some words to form adverbials ze2 (者) = he who/those who/a particle combining with some words to form adverbials bing3/6 ce2 (並且) = furthermore/besides/moreover/in addition bing3/6 (並) = [v] be side by side/be on the same level with / [adv] simultaneously/together/at the same time/(used before a negative for emphasis) actually/definitely/really / [conj] (used to join two verbs, etc) and/and then/furthermore apartment = cang4 lau2 / geoi1 sat1 (居室) appears/seems = ci5 fu4 (似乎) resemble/similar to/seemingly/apparently/by (used after some adjectives) = ci5 (似) to/at/in/from/than = fu4 (乎) appetite = wai6 hau2 (胃口) appointment = joek3 (約) (also means to make an appointment with a person) joek3 (約) = [v] make an appointment/arrange/invite/restrain/restrict/control / [n] agreement/appointment/engagement / [adj] simple/brief/economical / [adv] approximately/about/around joek3 zo2 (約咗) = made an appointment with a person jyu6 joek3 (預約) = made an appointment with an organisation jyu6 (預) = [adv] in advance/beforehand/prior / [v] count in/calculate in advance/take part/participate gon1 jyu6 (干預) = to meddle/to interfere/to intervene gon1 (干) = [v] offend/violate/affront/interfere/interrupt/trouble/concern/involve/have to do with / [n] heavenly stems \| [antonym] dei6 zi1 ((地)支) expect = jyu6 zo2 (預咗) joek3 zo2 jan4 (預咗人) = I am not free/I have an appointment with somebody application = san1 cing2/ceng2 (申請) explain/set forth/state/the hours from 3 to 5 pm/a brief name for Shanghai = san1 (申) ask/apply/invite/hire/engage/(interjection) please = ceng2 (請) apply = baan6 (辦) / san1 cing2 (申請) appreciate (sb, sth) = jan1 soeng2 (欣賞) glad/happy/joyful/delighted = jan1 (欣) reward/award/appreciate/view and admire/honour sb with one's presence = soeng2 (賞) approximately = daai6 joek3 (大約) / koi3 (概) (before the amount) or zo2 jau2 (左右) (after the amount) argument (big) = aai3 (daai6) gaau1 (嗌(大)交) aai3 (嗌) = shout/yell/say sth loudly/order food/choke gaau1 (交) = [v] submit/hand in or over/transfer/be on good terms with/come into contact with/meet/exchange/intersect/cross/come close to/join/alternate/engage in/unite in sexual intercourse / [n] friend/friendship / simultaneous(ly)/each other daai6 aai3 (大交) = shout as loud as you can (big shout) aa3 zi1 aa3 zo1 (阿吱阿咗) = nag/moan/whine or argue/backtalk or complain too much around (physical)/surroundings = zau1 wai4 (週圍) zau1 (週) = week/period (e.g. annual)/circle/circuit/circular/perimeter/circumference/periphery/whole/all over/all around wai4 (圍) = [v] surround/enclose/encircle/besiege / [n] circumference/perimeter/periphery arrive = dou3 / daat6 (到/達) in expressions e.g. sei3 tung1 baat3 daat6 (四通八達) = accessible from and to many directions dou3 daat6 (到達) = arrive (more formal e.g. train announcements) [v] extend/lead to/arrive/reach/attain/fully understand/be sensible/convey/communicate/express /[adj] broad-minded/open-minded/eminent;/distinguished = daat6 (達) ask = man6 (問) (a question) / (baai3) tok3 ((拜)託) (sb to do something) available / free time = dak1 haan4 (得閒) average (mathematically) = ping4 gwan1 (平均) average/ordinary/generally = jat1 bun1 (一般) / faan4 (凡) bun1 (般) = [n] sort/type/kind / [adv] as/like/same as pun4 = [n] [literary] joy/delight bo1 = used in Buddhist term bo1 je5 (般若) - [Buddhism] Prajñā (in Sanskrit), highest wisdom, understanding faan4 (凡) = [adj] ordinary/commonplace/common/secular/mortal/earthly / [adv] every/any/altogether/whenever / [n] general idea/outline/abstract fei1 faan4 (菲凡) = extraordinary fei1 (菲) = luxuriant and fragrant/abbreviated form of fei1 leot6 ban1 (菲律賓) (the Philippines) fei2 (菲) = humble/unworthy/meagre/simple (go) away = zau2 hoi1 (走開) / laan1 hoi1 (躝開) B back to normal = zing3 soeng4 faan1 (正常返) bad/decline/wane/go downhill/weakening/irritating/annoying/disgusting; unpleasant/nasty-looking/ugly/fail/make a mistake/lose face/to be caught doing sth wrong = seoi1 (衰) ok3 (惡) = [n] evil/vice/wickedness \| [antonym] sin6 (善) / [adj] bad/evil/wicked/fierce/ferocious/savage (on its own though it generally refers to just "bad look") hung1 ok3 (兇/凶惡) = fierce/ferocious/fiendish hung1 (兇/凶) = evil/bad/famine/unlucky/unfortunate/fear/fearsome/very/excessive/excess [NB. 凶 is a traditional character in its own right, but also serves as the simplified equivalent of 兇. Matters are complicated by the fact that some compounds can be written with either character.] ce4 ok3 (邪惡) = viciousness/bad/evil/wicked/immoral ce4/je4 (邪) = evil/wicked/heretical/disaster/misfortune (caused by evil spirits)/strange/queer bad (off) = waai6 (壞) laan6 (爛) = rotten bag = doi2 (袋) (go3 (個)) ball = kau4 (球) basket = laam2 (籃) battery = liu6 doi2 (urine bag - slang) (尿袋) / din6 ci4 (電池) ci4 (池) = [n] pool/pond/moat/an enclosed space with raised sides solar panel = taai3 joeng4 nang4 din6 ci4 baan2 (太陽能電池板) beautiful/handsome = leng3 because = jan1 wai6 (因為) because/reason = jan1 (因) factor = jan1 sou3 (因素) sou3 (素) = white silk/natural-coloured silk/white/natural-coloured/plain/simple/native/unprocessed/basic element/constituent/usually/always/ordinarily/vegetarian food/diet/vegetable dish bed = cong4 (床) before = zi1 cin4 (之前) the person before = zi1 cin4 go2 go3 jan4 (之前嗰個人) cang4 ging1 (曾經) = previously/once in the past cang4 (曾) = [adv] once/formerly/ever zang1 (曾) = [adj] related as between great-grandchildren and great-grandparents before (experience e.g.ate/have been to ... ) = gwo3 (過) ging1 jim6 (經驗) = experience behind = hau6 bin1 (後邊) / min6 (面) hau6 (後) = behind/rear/at the back of/afterwards /[v] come after / descendents/posterity / an auxiliary verb to indicate 'then' or 'afterwards' bin1 (邊) = edge/end of something/margin/verge/side/hem/decorative border/border of a nation's territory/boundary/limits/bounds/nearby/near to bicycle = daan1 ce1 (單車) ride bike = caai2 daan1 ce1 (踩單車) kick (with bottom of one's foot)/step on/tread/stamp = caai2 (踩) big = daai6 (大) can also be used for older, a little big = daai6 daai2 dei2 (大大哋) also used as more than e.g. more than 1/2 year = daai6 bun3 nin4 (大半年) bill = maai4 daan1 (埋單) invoice = zoeng3 daan1 (帳單) zoeng3 (帳) = curtain/canopy/tent / variant of zoeng3 (賬) zoeng3 (賬) = account/business record/account book/ledger book/debt/loan/bill birthday = saang1 jat6 (生日) saang1 (生) = [v] give birth to/be born/exist/grow/breed/beget/cause / [n] life/lifetime/livelihood/student/scholar/practitioner/male role in traditional Chinese opera/Mr/Mister (abbreviation for sin1 saang1 (先生)) / [adj] alive/living/lively/unripe/uncooked/raw/unfamiliar/strange/unacquainted/unskilled/crude/stiff bite = ngaau5 (咬) dog eat dog / brother and sister quarrel = gau2 ngaau5 gau2 gwat1 (狗咬狗骨) tough = ngaau5 m4 jap6 (咬唔入) to be pushy (overly assertive/impatient) = fei1 kam4 daai6 ngaau5 (飛擒大咬) blocked = sak1 (塞) sak1 (塞) = [v] stop up/obstruct/plug/fill/squeeze in/cram/jam into / [n] stopper/plug/cork/seal / block up (sth abstract) coi3 (塞) = frontier/strategic stronghold along the frontier blocked nose = bei6 sak1 zo2 (鼻塞咗) traffic jam = sak1 ce1 (塞車) blow = ceoi1 (吹) ceoi1 haa5 gin6 saam1 (吹下件衫) = air the clothes (blow a bit the clothes) boat = syun4 (船) fishing boat = jyu4 syun4 (漁船) shipping = syun4 bok6 (船舶) bok6/baak3/paak3 (舶) = ocean-going ship/big boat bun1 wan6 fai3 (搬運費) = transportation charges body = san1 (tai2) (身(體)) tai2 (體) = [n] body/ shape/form/entity/unit/style/fashion/system/substance/essence/theory (as opposed to practice) life = sang1 ming6 (生命) hung1 (胸) = breast/bosom/chest/thorax/bust/mind/heart/aspiration si1 (屍) = dead body/corpse/remains/carcass/hold/occupy a position without doing one's duty arm = sau2 bei3 (手臂) back (body) = bui3 zek3 (背脊) bui3 (背) = [n] back of human body or any object / [v] back on(to)/with the back towards/violate/go against/act contrary to/hide sth from/turn one's back/give up bui6 (背) = [v] recite by rote/learn by heart / [adj] out of date/out of touch / [adj] out-of-the-way/remote/unlucky/having hard luck zek3/zik3 (脊) = spine/backbone/spinal column/ridge/roof bald = gwong1 tau4 (光頭) belly/tummy = tou5 (肚) blood = hyut3 (血) bone = gwat1 (骨) break = tyun5 (斷) tyun5/dyun6 (斷) = break/snap/sever/cut off/stop/interrupt/give up/abstain from/quit dyun3 (斷) = judge/decide/determine/absolutely/definitely fragile = ceoi3 joek6 (脆弱) ceoi3 (脆) = crisp/fragile/frail/brittle/hard but easily broken/light/shallow/thin/easy/quick and convenient (operation, etc.) joek6 (弱) = weak/fragile/feeble/tender/delicate/infirm/inferior/young/a little less than bottom/buttocks = pet1 pet1 (childish term) (噼噼) / si2 fat1 (屎窟) fat1 (窟) = [n] hole/cave/pit/cavity/den/lair/hiding place / [classifier] chunk/portion brain = nou5 (腦) calf = siu2 teoi2 (小腿) / goek3 gwaa1 long1 (腳瓜瓤) chest = sam1 hau2 (心口) chin = haa6 paa4 (下扒) clavicle = so2 gwat1 (鎖骨) ear = ji5 (zai2) 耳(仔) ji5 (耳) = [n] ear/ears / merely/only/contraction of ji4 ji5 (而已) ji4 ji5 (而已) = that's all/nothing more elbow = sau2 zaang1 (手踭) eyes = ngaan5 (眼) close eyes = mai1 maai4 ngaan5 (瞇埋眼) mi1 (瞇) = narrow one's eyes/keep one's eyes half closed/take a nap/doze off/get a wink of sleep maai4 (埋) = bury/cover up/lay sth underground/conceal/hide/lie low/finish up/close out/settle (an account)/move closer/nearer to/close in/up/closer together/nearer to/even/too/also/as well lei5 sik6 maai4 di1 faan6 (你食埋啲飯) = you finish eating the rice (is or already has eaten some already) lei5 sik6 saai3 di1 faan6 (你食晒啲飯) = you finished all the rice se2 maai4 (寫埋) = write more bong1 maai4 daan1 (幫埋單) = to kill sb/to have sb killed cold-blooded murder = saat3 jan4 bat1 zaap3 ngaan5 (殺人不眨眼) kill/slaughter/fight/go into the battle/weaken/spoil/terribly/exceedingly = saat3 (殺) glare = zang1 mei4 dat6 ngaan5 (睜眉突眼) / ngaan5 gwat6 gwat6 (眼掘掘) / dang1 ngaan5 (瞪眼) stubborn = gwat6 koeng5 (goeng6 online but usually pronounced as koeng5) (倔強) gwat6 (倔) = stubborn/obstinate/unbending / blunt (speech)/gruff/surly / Cantonese only: blunt (pencil/sweep)/dull/not sharp/glare at/give sb an angry look/closed at one end (road, path) gin1 ci4 (堅持) = to insist on/to strongly support/to remain committed/to continue upholding/to persist/to persevere/to uphold / (n) persistance/perseverance gin1 (堅) = [adj] hard/solid/strong/firm / [adv] steadfastly/staunchly/resolutely / [n] fortification/stronghold / [slang] real/true/kosher ci4 (持) = hold/grasp/carry/bear / maintain/uphold/harbour/control/dominate/manage/oppose/be in a stalemate looking on helplessly = ngaan5 zang1 zang1 (眼睜睜) nerve = san4 ging1 (神經) open eyes = maak3 hoi1 ngaan5 (擘開眼) / maak3 daai6 ngaan5 (擘大眼) / zaang1 hoi1 (睜開) begin a performance or movie = hoi1 ngaan5 (開眼) broaden, expand one's horizons = hoi1 ngaan5 gaai3 (開眼界) blatantly tell a lie/have the audacity to tell a lie with one's eyes wide open = maak3 hoi1 ngaan5 gong2 daai6 waa6 (擘開眼講大話) to brazenly do sth. that one knows is wrong = maak3 daai6 ngaan5 laai6 liu6 (擘大眼瀨尿) money grubber = gin3 cin2 hoi1 ngaan5 (見錢開眼) outlook = ngaan5 gaai3 (眼界) real eye opener = daai6 hoi1 ngaan5 gaai3 (大開眼界) wink = zaam2 mei4 zaam2 ngaan5 (䁪眉䁪眼) in the wink of an eye/an instant/a split second = zaam2 ngaan5 (䁪眼) with big eyes = ngaan5 daai6 daai6 (眼大大) eyebrows = mei4 mou4 (眉毛) eyelash = ngaan5 zit3 mou4 (眼睫毛) face = min6 (面) feet (physical) = goek3 (腳) finger = sau2 zi2 (手指) fist = kyun4 tau4 (拳頭) [n] fist / various forms of boxing/sparring reats / strength = kyun4 (頭) ngo5 kyun4 tau4 ngaang6 zo2 (我拳頭硬咗) = my fist gets hard (ie i am angry, want to punch someone) forehead = ngaak6 tau4 (額頭) hand = sau2 (手) [n] hand/skill/skilled person/person engaging in a certain activity / noun measure used in firsthand, secondhand, etc and also for smallest tradable unit (of stocks) / [v] hold/have in one's hand / verb measure for skill or proficiency / [adj] handy/portable/handwritten / [adv] personally = sau2 (手) hold hands = hin1 sau2 (牽手) palm = sau2 zoeng2 (手掌) second hand = ji6 sau2 (二手) head = tau4 (頭) tau4 (頭) = [n] head/hair/hairstyle/chief/leader/boss/side/party/aspect / [adj] first/top/start/end / classifier for certain domestic animals / suffix for certain objects, location words and adjectives (to form a noun) (head) hair = tau4 faat3 (頭髮) hair (body) = mou4 (毛) hairstyle = faat3 jing4 (髮型) [n] pattern/model/type/standard/earthen mold for casting / stylish = jing4 (型) heart = sam1 (zong6) (心臟) heel = goek3 zaang1 (腳踭) intestines = coeng2 (腸) kidney = san6 (腎) knee = sat1 tau4 (膝頭) leg = goek3 (腳) lips = zeoi2 (嘴) liver = gon1 (肝) lung = fai3 (肺) mouth = hau2 (口) moustache/beard = wu4 sou1 (鬍鬚) shave = tai3 (sou1) (剃(鬚)) nail = zi2 gaap3 (指甲) navel = tou5 ci4 (肚臍) neck = geng2 (tiu4) (頸(條)) nose = bei6 (鼻) pancreas = ji4 zong6 (胰臟) (pancreas + internal organs of the body) shoulder = bok3 tau4 (膊頭) sole = goek3 baan2 (dai2) (腳板(底)) spine = bui3 gwat1 (背骨) stomach = wai6 (胃) teeth = ngaa4 (ci2) (牙(齒)) ngaa4 (牙) = teeth/tooth / [v] bite / ivory articles / [n] broker ci2 (齒) = teeth/age / [v] speak of/mention / a tooth-like part of anything (brush) teeth = (caat3) ngaa4 ((刷)牙) toothbrush = ngaa4 caat2 (牙刷) toothpaste = ngaa4 gou1 (牙膏) toothpick = ngaa4 cim1 (牙籤/簽) cim1 (籤) = bamboo slip used for divination or drawing lots/label/sticker/a slender pointed piece of wood/bamboo toe = goek3 zi2 (腳趾) tongue = lei6 (脷) thigh = daai6 bei2 (大髀) / daai6 teoi2 (medical term?) (大腿) bei2 (髀) = thigh/thighbone throat = hau4 lung4 (喉嚨) vomit = au2 (tou3) (嘔吐) tou3 (吐) = [v] spit out/stick out/blow out/utter/tell/pour out/send out/put forth waist = jiu1 (wai4) (腰(圍)) windpipe/trachea = hei3 gun2 (氣管) wrist = sau2 wun2 (手腕) boiling (adjective) = gwan2 (滾) boil (verb)/kettle = bou1 (煲) book = syu1 (bun2) (書(本)) bored/boring (adj) = mun6 (悶) border = bin1 ging2 (邊境) checkpoint = tung1 gwaan1 (通關) / hau2 ngon6 (口岸) (originally a port on a sea or river) ngon6 (on6) (岸) = shore/bank/coast/high/lofty/proud bottle = zeon1 (樽) box (small)/case/casket = hap6/2 (盒) jat1 go3 hap2 (一個盒) = a box go3 hap2 jap6 min6 jau5 mat1 je5 aa3? (個盒入面有乜嘢呀?) = What is inside the box? jat1 hap6 beng2 gon1 (一盒餅乾) = a box of biscuits (plate dip2 & dip6 also follow this format) brand = paai4 zi2 (牌子) bread = min6 baau1 (麪包) min6 (麵) (tyun4 團) = noodles/(wheat) flour/dough min6 fan2 (麵粉) = flour fan2 (粉 ) = [n] powder/flour/starch/noodles/vermicelli / [adj] white/light pink/powdery/pulverized / [v] turn into powder/plaster [6] / [slang] heroin/drug / shortened form of fan2 si1 (粉絲) - mungbean vermicelli/fine vermicelli / [loanword] fans/supporters fan2 si1 (粉絲) = mungbean vermicelli/fine vermicelli / [loanword] fans/supporters si1 (絲) = (natural) silk/anything threadlike/filament/fiber / [classifier] tiny bit/trace/tinge / musical instruments with strings classifier for noodles = wun2 (碗) / bowl breathe = tau2 hei3 (唞氣) cannot breathe = tau2 m4 dou2 hei3 (唞唔賭氣) (hot and) stuffy = (ai3) guk6 ((翳)焗) breathing = fu1 kap1 (呼吸) fu1 (呼) = breathe/sigh/exhale/call/shout to cheer = fun1 fu1 (歡呼) fun1 (呼) = happy/pleased/glad/joy/jubilant/joys/pleasures / [n] lover/active and energetic/quick/in full swing kap1 (吸) = inhale/breathe/suck/draw in \| [antonym] fu1 (呼) - absorb/soak up/suction/attract/captivate/draw to oneself bright/shiny/light (noun) = gwong1 (光) (loeng6) gwong1 (光) = light/brightness/brilliant/shine/light rays/glossy/smooth/glory/glorious/honor / [v] exhaust/use up/alone/only/bare/naked dark = ngam3 laser (beam) = gik1 gwong1 (激光) gik1 (激) = arouse/stimulate/stir up/irritate/provoke/madden/strong/fierce/violent/heated / (of water, etc) swash/surge/dash / brilliant/great/cool broken (down / out of order for machines only) = waai6 zo2 (壞咗) buddhist (follower) = fut6 gaau3 tou4 (佛教徒) tou4 (徒) = be on foot/walk on foot/disciple/apprentice/follower / [pejorative] guy/fellow/gang/empty/bare/barehanded/unarmed/merely/only/futile/in vain/prison sentence/imprisonment buddhist vegetarian food = zaai1 (齋) buddhist vegetarian restriction = sau2 zaai1 gaai3 (食齋戒) building = lau4 (樓) tower of building = lau2 (樓) (zo6 (座) with no measure word it is floor level) floors (not level e.g. number of floors/go up/down ? floors) = cang4 (層) cang4 lau4 (層樓) = multistoried building/tower/pagoda bulb/lamp = dang1 (燈) bull = ngau4 gung1 (牛公) burn (injury) = coek3 soeng1 (灼傷) busy = mong4 (忙) busy atmosphere = faan4 mong4 (繁忙) faan4 (繁) = numerous/abundant/prosperous/complicated/complex/intricate/multiply/proliferate/propagate mong4 (忙) = [adj] busy/fully occupied/pressed with work / [v] make haste/hasten/hurry laid back relaxed attitude = taa1 tiu4 (佗佻) taa1 (佗) = other tiu4 (佻) = long narrow piece pressure = aat3 lik6 (壓力) / ngaak3 lek6 aat3 (壓) = press/weigh down/pressure/suppress/control/restrain/calm down/prevail over/outdo/surpass/approach/close in on/draw near/lay aside/pidgeonhole/shelve lik6 (力) = strength/force/power/ability/capability/vigor/vigorously/earnestly/do one's best extremely = gik6 lik6 (極度) / dou6 (gik6 lik6 極力 - to do at all costs/to make an utmost effort) gik6 (極) = utmost/peak/pole/extreme/extremely verb + gik6 (極) + dou1 (都) + m4 （唔） + normally expected outcome e.g. keoi5 sik6 gik6 dou1 m4 fei4 (佢食極都唔肥) = he eats so much but also not fat gik6 dyun1 (極端) = extreme dyun1 (端) = [adj] erect/upright/proper / [n] end/tip/extremity/beginning/cause/reason/point/aspect/item / [v] hold sth level with both hands (v.) to work hard/to strive/exert oneself (n.) hardworking = lou5 lik6 (努力) nou5 / lou5 (努) = exert oneself/make effort/strive/bulge/protrude urgent (quick/quickly/pressing/hurried/desperate/anxious/very eager/worried) = gap1 (急) businessman = soeng1 jan4 (商人) business/trade/sales/deal/bargain = saang1 ji3 (生意) / jing4 jip6 (營業) jip6 (業) = profession/business/trade/work/occupation/vocation/calling/estate/property/already faan3 faan5 (販) = buy and sell/trade faan2 (販) = hawker/pedlar/trader/vendor/dealer cong3 jip6 (創業) = to start a business/to start an undertaking/to begin a major task/to do pioneering work cong3 (創) = start/begin (doing sth)/establish/create/original/unprecedented cong3 zou6 (創造) = to create/produce/bring about investment = tau4 zi1 (投資) tau4 (投) = cast/throw/fling/toss/hurl/pitch/plunge into/throw oneself into/join/send/deliver/put in/drop/fit in with/agree with/cater to/project/produce/cast zi1 (資) = property/wealth/capital/expenses/fees/charges/endowment/aptitude/natural ability/qualifications/record of service / [v] provide/supply/support mat6 zi1 (物資) = goods/material/goods and materials profit (noun) = jing4 lei6 (盈利) / sau1 jik1 (收益) jing4 = fill with/be full of/have a surplus of/well-developed/full and round (盈) lei6 = profit/gains/gain/advantage/benefit/merit/sharp / [v] benefit/serve (利) kyun4 lei6 (權利) = right (entitlement to do sth.) kyun4 (權) = [n] power/right/authority / [v] weigh/measure/judge / [adv] temporarily/for the time being kyun4 hang4 (權衡) = weigh/consider hang4 (衡) = [v] weigh/measure/judge/assess / [n] weighing apparatus/beam of a steelyard waang4 (衡) = variant of waang4 (橫) - [adj] horizontal/transverse (antonym - zik6 (直)) / [adj] running from east to west or west to east /[adj] across/sideways/crosswise/harsh and unreasonable/perverse/unexpected;inauspicious/untoward / [adv] unrestrainedly/fiercely/turbulently zung1 (縱) = variant of waang4 (衡) - [adj] vertical/longitudinal/from north to south zung3 (縱) = [v] release/set free/let go/indulge/let loose/connive/jump up/leap/spring forward / [conj] even though/even if/although ping4 hang4 (平衡) = balance/equilibrium lei6 leot2 (利率) = interest rate leot6(2) (率) = rate/ratio/proportion seot1 (率) = lead/command/head/example/model/follow/obey/act in accordance with/rash/hasty/frank/straightforward/candid/generally/usually sau1 (收) = [v] draw together/gather/collect/contain/receive/accept/take/end/come to a close/retrieve/take back/put away jik1 (益) = [v] increase/add to/augment/in a higher degree/to a greater extent/more/profit/benefit/advantage jau5 jik1 (有益) = beneficial/wholesome profit (verb) = zaan6 cin2 (賺錢) revenue = sau1 jap6 (收入) butter = ngau4 jau4 (牛油) buy = maai5 (買) buy .... get one free = maai5 ... sung3 jat1 (買...送一) give as a gift = sung3 (送) by (travel by) = daap3 (搭) commuting = daap3 ce1 (搭車) commuting a long distance = daap3 coeng4 tou4 ce1 (搭長途車) coeng4 tou4 (長途) = long distance by oneself = zi6 gei2 (自己) e.g. myself/emphasis of mine = ngo5 zi6 gei2 (我自己) zi6 (自) = self/private/personal/from/natural/naturally gei2 (己) = [pron] oneself/one's own/personal / [n] the sixth of the ten Heavenly Stems he is alone = keoi5 zi6 gei2 jat1 go3 (jan4) (佢自己一個人) I give myself to you = ngo5 zoeng1 zi6 gei2 bei2/sung3 bei2 nei5 (我將自己畀/送畀你) C calendar = lik6 (曆) calculate / do maths = gai3 sou3 (計數) gai3 (計) = to count/compute/calculate/plan/scheme/devise / to take (as an example) ... / [n] idea/stratagem/plot/meter/gauge/measuring device cit3 gai3 (設計) = design/plan cit3 (設) = lay out/display / [v] establish/set up/found/furnish/provide/arrange/plan/devise / particle of hypothesis/supposing that/what if/in case of sou3 (數) = [n] number/figure/digit/fate/destiny/rule of nature / [adj] several/a few/some [3] [n] [粵] sou2 (數) = [v] count/enumerate/list/be reckoned/counted as/scold/rebuke sok3 (數) = [adv] [literary] frequently/repeatedly add = gaa1 (加) sou2 sou3 (數數) = to count subtract/deduct/minus/reduce/decrease/cut = gaam2 (減) multiply (mathematically) = sing4 (乘) times (as big) = pui5 daai6 (倍大) gaa1 pui6 (加倍) = double up/to redouble divide = ceoi4 (除) mathematics = sou3 hok6 (數學) pure maths = seon4 seoi6 sou3 hok6 (純粹數學) count/enumerate/list/be reckoned/counted as/scold/rebuke = sou2 (數) countdown = dou3 sou2 (倒數) equal = dang2 jyu1 (等於) / dang2 jyu4 (等如) equality = ping4 dang2 (平等) ascending order / since childhood = [Cantonese only]: jau4 sai3 dou3 daai6 (由細到大) / cung4 siu2 dou3 daai6 (從小到大) calm = ping4 zing6 (平靜) zing6 (靜) = [adj] still/calm/motionless/silent/quiet/noiseless/serene/composed/unruffled / [v] calm down/be quiet/keep silent peace = wo4 ping4 (和平) wo4 (和) = wo4 [adj] gentle/mild/calm/harmonious/on good terms / [v] make peace/cease fighting/draw/tie (a match, game, etc) / [conj, prep] and/with/to/as / [n] sum/aggregate/gross/Japan/Japanese wo6 (和) = [v] sing along with others/echo what others say wu2 (和) = [n] winning hand in mahjong or card games quiet = (on1) zing6 on1 (安) = [adj] peaceful/quiet/stable / [v] stabilize/pacify/console/install/fit/settle down/fabricate/concoct/ascribe / [adv] [literary] where/how/why (am) called = giu3 (叫) can (able) = dou2 (after a verb) (到) / + dak1 (得) can’t…anything = mat1 dou1 (乜都) (mat1 je5 dou1 (乜嘢都) - but je5 (嘢) is basically omitted) …m4 dou2 (唔到) can’t…anyone = bin1 go3 dou1 (邊個都) …m4 dou2 (唔到) jat1 di1 dou1 m4 (一啲都唔) + verb = I don't + verb + even a bit m4 dak1 (唔得) = cannot/not possible m4 siu2 dak1 (唔少得) = absolutely necessary/indispensable/essential can (permission) / negotiable = ho2 ji5 (可議) ho2 (可) = [v] can/may/be able to/approve/permit/agree/need (doing)/be worth (doing)/fit / [conj] but/however/yet / [adv] ever/actually/at all (for emphasis) ji5 (議) = discuss/exchange views on/talk over/opinion/view/suggestion/proposal you are forbidden to swim = lei5 m4 ho2 ji5 jau4 seoi2 (你唔可以游水) don't = m4 hou2 ... (好唔) e.g. don't eat = m4 hou2 sik6 ... (好唔食) you are not a good person = lei5 m4 hou2 jan4 (你好唔人) you should not swim = lei5 m4 hou2 jau4 seoi2 (你可好游水) can (possible or not considering external constraints e.g. external authority, rules, terms e.g.of business) = dak1 (得) dak1 gaa3 (得㗎) = reasonable dak1 gaa3 laa3 (得㗎喇) = will do OK = zau6 dak1 gaa3 laa3 (就得㗎喇) ng6 (嗯) = "Uh-huh"/"sure"/"OK"/The non-committal or affirmatory sound used to signal to the speaker that you are still listening (honestly), have understood or agree with what they are saying. Could it be that ...?/Is it possible that ...?/As if (can express sarcasm) = m4 tung1 (唔通) can (object e.g. coke) = gun3 (罐) cancel = ceoi2 siu1 (取消) car = (gaa3) (架) ce1 (架車) (can also mean vehicle) ce1 (車) = cart/vehicle/wheeled machine, eg. car / [v] carry in a cart/shape (things) on a lathe/lathe/turn/lift water by a water wheel drive = zaa1 (揸) driver = si1 gei1 (司機) si1 (司) = [v] have charge of/control/manage/preside over / [n] (government) department ce1 paai4 (車牌) = number plate (licence plate) / (coll.) driving licence paai4 (牌) = board/plate/tablet/trademark/brand/make/cards/dominos/mahjong, etc gaa3 sai2 zap1 ziu3 (駕駛執照) = driving licence gaa3 (駕) = [v] ride/drive/pilot/sail/harness/yoke/control / [n] [honorific] you/emperor / [n] vehicle/carriage sai2 (駛) = drive/sail/pilot / (of a vehicle, horse, etc) speed/go rapidly plane = fei1 gei1 (飛機) fei1 (飛) = fly/flit/flutter/move swiftly/unexpected/accidental/cut (hair) /[loanword] fare/ticket airport = fei1 gei1 coeng4 (飛機場) hei2 fei1 (起飛) = to take off (as in an aircraft) helicopter = zik6 sing1 gei1 (直昇機) bus = baa1 si2 (gaa3) (巴士(架)) coach = coeng4 tou4 hei3 ce1 (長途汽車) / leoi5 jau4 baa1 (旅遊巴) - tour bus engine = jan5 king4 (引擎) king4 (擎) = hold/lift/support/prop up honking one's horn = hoeng2 on1 (響鞍) on1 (鞍) = saddle minibus = siu2 baa1 (小巴) motorbike = din6 daan1 ce1 (電單車) electric bike = din6 dung6 daan1 ce1 (電動單車) taxi = dik1 si2 (的士) (gaa3) (架) seat belt = on1 cyun4 daai2 (安全帶) wear seat belt = laam6 (around) on1 cyun4 daai2 (攬安全帶) train = fo2 ce1 (火車) railway platform = jyut6 toi4 (月台) terrace/tower/lookout/platform/stage/rostrum/stand/support/base/station/channel/network / you/your (a title of respect) / short for Taiwan / [classifier] whole set (of certain machinery) = toi4 (台) tram = ding1 ding1 (叮叮) tram car = ding1 ce1 (叮車) care (verb e.g. look after, care for) = ziu3 gu3 (照顧) ziu3 (照) = [v] shine/illumine/reflect/light/pattern on or afte/compare/collate/survey/photograph/take a picture/shoot/look after/take care of/notify/proclaim / [n] certificate/license/picture / in accordance with/according to / sunshine gu3 (顧) = [v] look at/look around/look behind/look after/attend to/take into consideration/visit/call on/patronize / [n] customer/patron/client careful = siu2 sam1 (little heart) (小心) [n] cover/case/wrapper/glove/convention/formula/stereotype/knot/loop/noose/trick/trap/ruse / [n/classifier] set/suite/series [v] cover with/slip over/overlap/model/pattern sth on sth/copy/try to win friendship/favour, etc/trap/trick sb into telling the truth = tou3 (套) case (investigate) = go3 on3 (個案) go3 (個) = [classifier] unit/piece / [adj] individual/single (go3 個 is the most generic classifier in both Cantonese and Mandarin. It can take the place of many classifiers, and is handy to use if one does not know the classifier that is specific to a particular noun.) on3 (案) = legal case/offence/incident/record/file/archives/draft/proposal/plan/option/long narrow table or desk celebrate = hing3 zuk1 (慶祝) [v] celebrate/congratulate/rejoice / [n] celebration/festivity/commemoration = hing3 (慶) [v] wish some one happiness/pray for happiness or blessings/congratulate/celebrate = zuk1 (祝) certain = gau2 sing4 gau2 (九成九) (99%) / hang2 ding6 (definitely) (肯定) / jat1 sat6 (definitely) (一實) hang2 (肯) = be willing to/be ready to/be eager to/agree/consent ceiling = tin1 faa1 baan2 (天花板) central (main) = zung1 joeng1 (中央) e.g. Central bank = zung1 joeng1 ngan4 hong4 (中央銀行) (by) chance/coincidence = gam3 ngaam1 (咁啱) change one thing to another = goi2 (改) ? zou6 (做) ? mark/correct = goi2 (改) evaluate = ping4 hat6 (評核) comment on/review/assess/evaluate/criticise/review/comments = ping4 (評) nucleus/nuclear/verify/check/examine = hat6 (核) grade/rate/rating = ping4 kap1 (評級) changed = goi2 zo2 (改咗) e.g. goi2 zo2 kei4 (改咗期) = arranged time changed change (situation) = bin3 (變) bin3 (變) = [v] change/transform/alter/change/become different/turn into/become / extraordinarily/uncommon / [n] accident/misfortune/tragedy/upheaval/disturbance/unexpected turn of events / changeable you have changed = lei5 bin3 zo2 (你變咗) change mind (idea) = goi2 bin3 zyu2 ji3 (改變主意) about face = daai6 goi2 bin3 (大改變) bin3 faa3 (變化) = to transform/transformation change to = zyun2 (轉) zyun2 (轉) = [v] turn/change/shift/transfer/pass on/transmit zyun3 (轉) = [v] revolve/rotate/spin / [n] a round trip U-turn = diu6 tau4 (掉頭) diu6 zyun3 tau4 (調轉頭 homophone to diu6 zyun3 tau4 掉轉頭) = turns around (in direction)/on the contrary diu6 zyun3 (調轉) = to transfer one's job zyun3 tau4 (轉頭) = to turn head around diu6 zyun3 tau4 (掉轉頭) = [adj] upside down / [v] to turn upside down din1 dou2 (顛倒) = to turn upside down/to invert/to reverse/to overthrow/to upset/to transpose/to confound/confused/disturbed/disordered din1 (顛) = peak/summit/top/jolt/bump/jerk/fall/topple/upset dou3 gwo3 lai4 (倒過來) = "come back" dou3 zyun3 tau4 (倒過來) = upside down walk backwards = dou3 hau6 haang4 (dou3 here is really dou2 (倒) - upside down - but with walk backwards it changes to dou3 (倒)) (倒後行) take a walk = haang4 haa5 (行吓) / haang4 gaai1 (行街) walk past = haang4 gwo3 (行過) change season = zyun3 gwai3 (轉季) turn left/right = zyun3 zo2/jau6 (轉左/右) to turn = ling6 zyun3 (擰轉) ling6 (擰) = to wring/twist/pinch/tweak/screw/wrench/turn around/differ/disagree / [adj] mistaken/other way round chant script = nim6 ging1 (念經) chat = king1 gai2 (傾偈) king1 (傾) = [v] incline/lean/tilt/slope/slant/bend/overturn/collapse/topple/overwhelm/dump/exhaust/do all one can/use every exertion/chat/talk/negotiate/get on with / [n] tendency/inclination/propensity/deviation king1 hoeng3 (傾向) = trend/tendency king1 hoeng3 jyu1 (傾向於) = prone to sing3 king1 hoeng3 (性傾向) = sexual orientation gai2 (偈) = Cantonese only [n] talk/chat / [n] engine gai2 (偈) = gai2/6 [n] libretto in Buddhist scripture gai2 (偈) = [adj] [literary] brave/valiant place adj in between e.g. talk a little = king1 siu2 siu2 gai2 (傾小小偈) consensus = gung6 sik1 (共識) conversation = taam4 waa6 談話 / deoi3 waa6 對話 / wui6 waa2 會話 (oral conversation) waa6 (話) = [n] word/talk/speech / [v] talk/speak/tell/advise/persuade/admonish/think/consider/see waa2 (話) = language./dialect discussion = king1/zam1/tou2 leon6 etc/and so on/and so forth/further in the same or similar manner = jyu4 ci2 leoi6 teoi1 (如此類推) / zyu1 jyu4 ci2 leoi6 (諸如此類) jyu4 ci2 (如此) = like this/like so/as such/in this manner jyu4 ci2 ji4 ji5 (如此而已) = that's what it all adds up to bat1 gwo3 jyu4 ci2 (不過如此) = that's it/only just so-so/that's all one has to show for/not too much more than that zing3 jan1 jyu4 ci2 (正因如此) = exactly because of this leoi6 teoi1 (類推) = analogy/to analogize getting it off my chest / pour out grievances = tou3 fu2 seoi2 (吐苦水) tou3 hei3 (吐氣) = give vent to one's feelings (lit - "emit breath") tou3 cou4 (吐槽) = (slang) to roast/ridicule cou4 (槽) = [n] manger (for water, animal feed, wine)/trough/chute/flue/[n] trench/channel/ditch / [v] raise (piglet or chicken) till big tan1 tan1 tou3 tou3 (吞吞吐吐) = afraid to say a word (lit - "swallow vomit" reduplicated) tan1 (吞) = [v] swallow/absorb/annex/engulf/gulp tou3 gu3 naap6 san1 (吐故納新) = out with the old in with the new/exale stale air and breathe in fresh air naap6 (納) = admit/accept/receive/adopt/pay (tax)/give (bribes)/offer (advice)/enjoy (coolness, easy life)/feel (surprised, perplexed)/sew close stitches (over) honestly speaking = lou5 sat6 gong2 (老實講) in short/in summary/in a word/in brief = zung2 zi1 (總之) topic = waa6 tai4 (話題) / tai4 muk6 (題目) gong2 dak1 hou2 teng1 di1 (講得好聽啲) = to put it mildly/say sth as an understatement said = gong2 zo2 (講咗) ngo5 gong2 lei5 (我講你) = I gossip about you. (small talk) to gossip/chatter/natter/chitchat/shoot the breeze/to talk bullshit/tell lies/brag/blow one's own trumpet = ceoi1 seoi2 (吹水) aau1 seoi2 ceoi1 (��水吹) = seek/beg for (actually literally scratch) small talk baat3 gwaa3 (八卦) = (slang) gossip/gossipy/superstitious / one of the eight trigrams (or diagrams) ngo5 gong2 (bei2) lei5 teng1 (我講(畀)你聽) = I tell you. this matter = li1 gin6 si6 (呢件事) these kinds of things = li1 joeng6 je5 (呢樣嘢) faan1 jik6 (翻譯) = translate/translator/interpret/interpreter faan1 (翻) = turn upside down or inside out/reverse/overturn/capsize/search/rummage/look through/change/turn/innovate/translate/interpret into/fall out/break up/multiply/cross/climb over jik6 (譯) = translate/interpret/paraphrase/decode/decipher/encode/encipher wai6 (謂) = say/tell/speak/regard as/call/name/be called/designate cheat = ceot1 cin1 (出千) got cheated/to be taken in/to be fooled/to be duped = soeng5 dong3 (上當) soeng5 (上) = go up/ascend/get on/go to/leave for/ [verb] be as many as/be up to/reach/appear on stage/enter the field/be put on record/be published/fit/install/apply/put on/screw/tighten/twist/wind/verb particle indicating direction or achievement/(mahjong) chow/call to create a run/sequence noun (phonetics) rising tone; fall-rising tone dong3 (當) = appropriate/proper/right/regard/treat as/take for/pawn/mortgage/pledge cheat someone/trick/lie = aak1 jan4 (呃人) aak1 (呃) = cheat/deceive/dupe checkout = sau1 ngan2 cyu3 (收銀處) Chinese language / thing = zung1 man4 (中文) man4 (文) = [n] written language/script/character/literary composition/article/document/liberal arts/humanities/culture/civilization/formal ritual/etiquette [8] [n] certain natural phenomenon / [adj] literary/classical/ civilian/civil/gentle/refined/mild man41 (文) = Cantonese only [n] dollar/classifier for coinage man6 (文) = [v] cover up/paint over/gloss over tone = (sing1/jam1) diu6 (聲調) diu6 (調) = [v] transfer/shift/move/investigate; inquire into / [n] tune/tone/key/accent tiu4 (調) = [adj] harmonious/fit / [v] adjust/mix/blend/mediate/reconcile/tease/provoke/incite hip3 tiu4 (協調) = coordinate/harmonize/bring into line/harmonious/coordinated/coordinative hip3 (協) = [v] agree/an agreement/be united/cooperate/bring into harmony/coordinate/assist/aid/help choose = gaan2 (揀) / syun2 (formal) (損) / kyut3 ding6 (決定) / waak6 (畫) (actually means mark or draw but as this is done when ordering it can mean "chose" when ordering) kyut3 (決) = [v] decide/determine/judge/execute (a person)/put sb to death/burst/split/make a breach in / [adj] determined/resolute/decisive / [adv] definitely/certainly/under any circumstances syun2 (損) = [v] select/choose/elect / [n] selection/anthology election = syun2 geoi2 (選舉) vote = tau4 piu3 (投票) vote for + subject = tau4 bei2 (投畀) + subject voting station = tau4 piu3 zaam6 (投票站) bat1 seon3 jam6 tau4 piu3 (不信任投票) = a vote of no confidence protest / hold a demonstration/stage a protest/put on a show of force/display one's prowess = si6 wai1 (示威) si6 (示) = [v] show/indicate/make known/notify/instruct/demonstrate / [n] notice wai1 (威) = [n] impressive strength/awesome power/might / [v] deter with prowess/threaten by force / [adj] imposing/impressive/awe-inspiring si6 joek6 (示弱) = a sign of weakness/showing weakness gaan2 zaak6 (揀擇) = choosy/picky zaak6 (擇) = select/choose/pick/determine clean (adjective) = gon1 zeng6 (乾淨) clean (verb) = cing1 git3 (清潔) / maat3 (抹) (wiping but means clean for surfaces e.g. window) daai6 cing1 git3 (大清潔) = thorough (big) cleaning clear/fresh (not food) = cing1 (清) clever = (zeng1) lek1 ((精)叻) / cung1 ming4 (聰明) zeng1 (精) = [adj] refined/polished/choice/best/essential/delicate/smart/sharp/clever/skilled/versed/proficient / [n] essence/extract/concentrate/energy/vigour/spirit/sperm/semen/seed/goblin/spirit/demon antonym to above zeng1 (精) cou1 粗 = rough/coarse/crude/careless/negilgent/inattentive/roughly/slightly/thick/bulky/wide/large/gruff/husky/loud/rude/vulgar/unrefined lek1 (精) = [adj] smart/clever/competent cung1 (聰) = intelligent/clever/bright/astute/quick of apprehension/with a good faculty of hearing zyun1 zyu3 lik6 (專注力) = concentration/focus client = (gu3 顧) haak3 客 (wu6 (戶)) haak3 (客) = [n] guest/visitor/customer/passenger/traveller/stranger/non-native/foreigner/person engaged in some particular pursuit / [classifier] helping/portion wu6 (戶) = door (with one leaf)/household/family/(bank) account clock = zung1 (鐘) close (something, not distance) = saan1 mun4 (閂門) sik1 (熄) = extinguish/put out/turn off/die out/go out/burn itself out close(d) down = close(d) down (temporary)/for now/for the time being/for the moment/temporarily/temporary/tentative = zaam6 si4 (暫時) close(d) down (colloquial) = zap1 (zo2) lap1 (執(咗)笠) close(d) down (official) = gwaan1 bai3 (關閉) cloth = gan1 (巾) gan1 (巾) = [n] handkerchief/napkin/towel/headgear/articles for dressing the hair clothes = saam1 (gin6 件 (+ saam1 for general piece) for upper body, tiu4 for lower body e.g. skirt/trousers) gin6 (件) = [n, classifier] item/piece/article (of countable objects) / [n] letter/document/correspondence artificial material = jan4 zou6 liu2 (人造料) belt = pei4 daai2 (皮帶) pei4 (皮) = skin/leather/wrapper/naughty/buck daai2 (帶) = long thing button/knob = (lap1 (粒) - classifier) lau2 (鈕) ? coat = lau1 (褸) (mostly changes to lau5 (褸)) coat (just coat) = ngoi6 tou3 (外套) cotton/things like cotton-wool = min4 (棉) dots = (siu2) jyun4 dim2 ((小)圓點) dress = lin4 san1 kwan4 (連身裙) backless = lou6 bui3 (露) dew / beverage or cosmetics made by distilling flowers/fruit or leaves /[v] show/ reveal/expose/be in the open = lou6 (露) fitting room = si3 san1 sat1 (試身室) fleece = waa2 mou4 (?毛) / jiu4 lap1 jung2/4 (搖粒絨) jiu4 (搖) = [v] wag/swing/wave/shake/rock/sway (said of one's confidence, determination)/wobble/shake/row (a boat, etc.)/agitate/incite/annoy jung4 (絨) = fine wool/down/floss/velvet/cloth with a nap service on one or either side jeans = ngau4 zai2 fu3 (牛仔褲) jumper/warm clothes = laang1 saam1 (冷衫) leather coat = pei4 lau1 (皮褸) linen = maa4 (麻) lingerie = neoi5 si6 noi6 ji1 (女士內衣) long sleeve top = coeng4 zau6 saam1 (長袖衫) overcoat = fung1 lau1 (風褸) (wind overcoat) scarf = geng2 gan1 (頸巾) (neck cloth) shirt = seot1 saam1 (裇衫) / coeng4 zau6 saam1 (長袖衫) (long sleeves clothing) shorts = dyun2 fu3 (短褲) short sleeved top = dyun2 zau6 saam1 (短袖衫) size = saai1/3 zi2 (晒士) extra large size (plus large number) = gaa1 daai6 maa5 (加大碼) large size (large number) = daai6 maa5 (大碼) medium size (middle number) = zung1 maa5 (中碼) skirt = kwan4 (裙) sleeve = zau6 (袖) socks = mat6 (襪) stretch = maan1 very tight fit = maan1 maan1 gan2 (緊) (stretch stretch tight) texture = zat1 dei2 (質地) zat1 (質) = [n] quality/nature/character/substance/matter/texture / [adj] simple/plain/pure / [v] query/question/verify zi3 \| (質) = [n/v] pawn/hostage/pledge cotton texture = min4 zat1 (棉質) soil quality = tou2 zat1 (土質) tight = gan2 (緊) tight fit = tip3 san1 tip3 (貼) = stick/attach/glue/paste trousers = coeng4 fu3 (長褲) underpants/briefs/panties/knickers = dai2 fu3 (底褲) / noi6 fu3 (內褲) t-shirt = T seot1 (T裇) vest = bui3 sam1 (背心) wool = joeng4 mou4 (羊毛) collapse = lam3 (冧) colleague = tung4 si6 (同事) colour = (ngaan4 顏) sik1 (色) ngaan4 (顏) = colour/pigment/paint/face/countenance/facial expression/prestige/reputation/honour sik1 (色) = [n] colour/tint/tinge/hue/shade/facial expression/look/appearance/sensuality/desire for beauty/lust/lewdness/carnal pleasure/worldly things/a kind/sort almond = hang6 (杏) multi/assorted-coloured = zaap6/do1 sik1 (雜/多色) black = hak1 sik1 (黑色) pitch black = cat1 hak1 (漆黑) cat1 (漆) = [n,v] lacquer/paint / [n] lacquer/varnish tree / [adj] pitch-black hak1/haak1 (黑) = black/dark/secret/shady/unlawful/wicked/sinister/evil/(of facial expression) gloomy/glum blue = laam4 sik1 (藍色) bright (colour) = sin1 (鮮) brown = (gaa3) fe1 sik1 ((咖)啡色) checkered = gaak3 zai2 (格仔) deep = sam1 (深) green = luk6 sik1 (綠色) grey = fui1 sik1 (灰色) light (colour) = cin2 (淺) orange = caang2 sik1 (橙色) pink = fan2 hung4 sik1 (粉紅色) purple = zi2 sik1 (紫色) red = hung4 sik1 (紅色) yellow = wong4 (黃) sik1 (色) white = baak6 sik1 (白色) pure/snow white = baak6 syut1 syut1 (白雪雪) come = lai4 (嚟) (coming + gan2 (緊)) in "coming months" = lai4 gan2 go3 jyut6 (嚟緊個月) ceot1 lai4 (出嚟) = (come) out take out ... = ling1 ... ceot1 lai4 (拎...出嚟) newly arrived = san1 lai4 (新嚟) lei5 hai2 bin1 dou6 lai4 gaa3? (您喺邊嚟㗎?) = Where are you from? (a little ambiguous though as could be interpreted as where are you coming from?) lei5 hai2 bin1 go3 gwok3 gaa1 lai4? (您喺邊個國邊嚟㗎?) = Where are you from? (more specific than lei5 hai2 bin1 dou6 lai4 gaa3? (您喺邊嚟㗎?)) lei5 hai2 bin1 dou6 gwo3 lai4? (您喺邊嚟過㗎?) = Where are you coming from? comes from = lai4 zi6 (來自) comfortable = syu1 fuk6 (舒服) for things, when applied to people syu1 fuk6 (舒服) relates to health except for the phrase "I am comfortable with you" = ngo5 tung4 nei5 jat1 cai4 hou2 syu1 fuk6 - translated from English (我同您一齊好舒服) easy to approach (person, price) = ping4 ji6 gan6 jan4 (平易近人) company = gung1 si1 (公司) righteousness = gung1 ji6 (公義) ji6 (義) = justice/righteousness/chivalry/meaning/significance/connotation / [adj] righteous/just/moral/adopted/adoptive/foster/artificial/false/fake compare = bei2 gaau3 (比較) bei2 (比) = to compare/compete with/emulate/liken to/be comparable to/with/be the ratio of/to (in a score) / [prep] than gaau3 (較) = [v] compare/contest/haggle/dispute/flee/escape / [adv] comparatively/relatively/quite / [prep] (used for comparison) than / [adj] obvious/clear/conspicuous bei2 hei2 (比起) = compared with bei2 gaau3 mong4 (比較忙) = comparatively busy compatible = gim1 jung4 (兼容) competition = bei2 coi3 (比賽) coi3 (賽) = match/competition/race/contest/compete/play against/have a match/be comparable to/be as good as/an ancient sacrifice to gods compete against / fight/tussle/combat/contest/contend with/make animals fight (as a game)/come close together/piece together = dau3 (鬥) dau3 hei3 (鬥氣) = feel wronged and act rashly/for spite/out of rage tung4 xxx dau3 hei3 (同xxx鬥氣) = to go against xxx / be difficult with xxx complain = tau4 sou3 (投訴) completely = jyun4 cyun4 (完全) saai3 (晒) = (+ verb) entirely/completely/wholly more than expected (saai3 applies to plural but if left & right are both plural it applies to the right plural (plural either with di1 or because it is anyway or by implication)) verb + saai3 (晒) + number / di1 (啲) / plural noun = verb + all noun ... sold out = ... maai6 saai3 (賣晒) number/di1/plural noun1 + verb + saai3 (晒) + number/di1/plural noun2 = all noun1 + verb + I eat all the rice = ngo5 sik6 saai3 di1 faan6 (我食晒啲飯) We are all sleeping = ngo5 dei5 fan3 saai3 gaau3 (我哋瞓晒覺) Has he cleaned all the cups? = keoi5 cing1 git3 saai3 di1 bui1 mei6 aa3? (佢清潔晒啲盃/杯未呀?) Has he done all the homework = keoi5 zou6 saai3 di1 gung1 fo3 mei6 aa3? (佢做晒啲功課未呀?) The children have finished all the soup = di1 sai3 man1 zai2 sik6 saai3 di1 tong1 (啲細蚊仔食晒啲湯) saai3 (晒) = if used in relation to a person means "down" (finished) e.g. seng4 go3 jan4 saai3 (成個人晒) complicated = fuk1 zaap6 (複雜) computer = din6 nou5 (電腦) browser = lau4 laam5 hei3 (瀏覽器) computer science = gai3 syun3 gei1 fo1 hok6 (計算機科學) fo1 gei6 (科技) = technology gei6 (技) = ability/skill/trick/technique/dexterity/talent/ingenuity data = sou3 geoi3 (數據) electronic devices = din6 zi2 jung6 ban2 equipment = zong1 bei6 (裝備) din6 zi2 ging3 gei6 (電子競技) = esports ging3/ging6 (競) = compete/vie/contend/contest procedure/(computer) program/order/sequence = cing4 zeoi6 (程序) order/sequence/series/preface/foreword/prelude/introduction = zeoi6 (序) logic = lo4 cap1 (loanword) (邏輯) mong5 lok3 (網絡) = (computer, telecom, etc.) network/the Net/the internet mong5 (網) = [v] net/web/network/bring together/collect / [n] dragnet (figuratively)/arms of the law / the World Wide Web lok3 (絡) = [n] web/net/net-like object/blood channel/capillary / [v] hold sth in place with a net/wind/twist/twine break internet connection = tyun5 sin3 (網綫/線) tyun5 (網) = break/snap/sever/cut off/stop/interrupt/give up/abstain from/quit dyun3 (網) = judge/decide/determine/absolutely/definitely sin3 (綫/線) = thread/string/wire/cotton/demarcation line/boundary/brink/traffic line/route/political line/clue/undercover/secret agent/[classifier] a ray/thread of (hope) internet cafe = mong5 baa1 (網吧) internet connection = mong5/lin4 sin3 (網連線) online = hai2 mong5 soeng6 min6 (喺網上面) go online (verb)/ connect / browse to the internet = soeng6 mong5 (上網) online (adj) = mong5 soeng6 (網上) brief/briefing/presentation = gaan2 bou3 (簡報) programming = cing4 sik1 (程式) print = daa2 jan3 (打) 印 jan3 (印) = [v] print/stamp/imprint/mark / [n] seal/stamp/chop projector = tau4 jing2 gei1 (投影機) cast/throw/fling/toss/hurl/pitch/plunge into/throw oneself into/join/send/deliver/put in/drop/fit in with/agree with/cater to/project/produce/cast = tau4 (投) tablet = ping4 baan2 din6 nou5 (平板電腦) / baan2 nou5 (板腦) refresh (to update/to renew/to renovate / updating/restoration/regeneration/renewal) = gang1 san1 更新 gang1 (更) = [v] change/replace/alter / [literary] experience gaang1 / geng1 (更) = [n] daily/shift/shift duty/night duty / a watch period (one of the five two-hour periods into which the night was formerly divided starting at 7pm) gang3/geng4 (更) = [adv] further/furthermore/what is more/more/still more/even more ang3 (更) - Cantonese only [adv] [colloquial] = no matter what/how software = jyun5 gin2 (軟件) webpage = mong5 jip6 (網頁) website = mong5 zaam6 (網站) wireless = mou4 sin3 (無線) concentrated = nung4/jung4 (濃/) conditioner = wu6 faat3 sou3 (護髮素) congratulations = gung1 hei2 (恭喜) respectful/reverent/deferential = gung1 (恭) continue/carry on/resume = gai3 zuk6 (繼續) gai3 (繼) = [v] continue/follow/carry on/inherit/succeed to/come into / [conj] then/afterwards zuk6 (續) = [v] continue/extend/succeed/add/supply more/replenish / [n] precedure/formality contract = hap6 joek3 (合約) rental contract/tenancy agreement = zou1 joek3 (租約) convenient = fong1 bin6 (方便) (not place) / zau6 goek3 (就腳) (place - within walking distance, to be able to conveniently reach by foot) cook = zyu2 ((煮) don't confuse with zyu2 (主)=master/chief/leader) fo2 hau4 (火喉) = fire mastery (know how to control the temperature when cooking - hau4 only used for this meaning when follows fo2 fire) hau4 (喉) = nobleman/high-ranking official copy = zin2 / caau1 (抄) / fuk1 zai3 (複製) fuk1 zai3 (複製) = to duplicate/to reproduce/to copy/to make a copy of/reproduction/repeat/rendition/dubbing/autotypy/duplication/facsimile/replication fuk1 (複) = duplicate/repeat/double/complex/compound (interest, etc)/lined clothes zai3 (製) = make/manufacture/produce/cut out (garment)/tailor correct = aam1 (can also be pronounced ngaam1 啱) / m4 co3 (唔錯) ngaam1/aam1 (啱) = be suitable for/fit in with/correct/accurate/appropriate/by chance/by coincidence/just now/a moment ago/a short while ago accurate = zeon2 / zing3 kok3 (正確) zing3 (正) = [adj] upright/straight/middle/standard/regular/correct/pure/unadulterated/genuine/principal/chief/main/positive/plus/obverse/(of time) punctual/sharp / [adv] exactly/just/precisely/just happening/just continuing / [v] rectify/correct/set right zing1 (正) = [n] first month of lunar year/first moon zeng3 (正) - Cantonese only = [adj] pure/genuine/really good / [adv] accurately/precisely/exactly kok3 (確) = sure/certain/real/true/secure/valid kok3 sat6 (確實) = exact/confirm - really/indeed/real/true/reliable co3 (錯) = wrong/mistaken/erroneous/fault/demerit/blunder/intricate/complex/confused/miss out/evade/dodge/polish jade/inlay with gold/grindstone / (used in the negative) bad/poor cough = kat1 (咳) country = gwok3 (國) America = mei5 gwok3 (美國) Austraila = ou3 zau1 (澳洲) Asia = aa3 zau1 (亞洲) Bali (Island) = baa1 lei5 (dou2) (峇里(島)) (not to be confused with baa1 lai4 (巴黎)=Paris) Canada = gaa1 naa4 daai6 (加拿大) China = zung1 gwok3 (中國) Beijing = bak1 ging1 (北京) ethnic Chinese = waa4 jeoi6 (華裔) Chengdu = sing4 dou1 (成都) Chinese American = waa4 jeoi6 mei5 gwok3 jan4 (華裔美國人) Australian Chinese = waa4 jeoi6 ou3 zau1 jan4 (華裔澳洲人) Futian = fuk1 tin4 (福田) Guangdong province = jyut6 (粵) (dung1 (東) / saang2 (省) jyut6 (粵) = [adj] Cantonese (language, word, people, culture, food etc.) / Guangdong province (formerly known as Canton in the West) saang2 (省) = omit/leave out/remove/economize/save/frugal/province/provincial sing2 (省) = examine/inspect/observe/visit (one's seniors)/call on/ask after/become conscious/be aware/wake up to Guangzhou = gwong2 zau1 (廣州) Hangzhou = hong4 zau1 (杭州) Shenzhen = sam1 zan3 (深圳) Sichuan = sei3 cyun1 (四川) England = jing1 gwok3 (英國) London = leon4 deon1 (倫敦) Europe = au1 zau1 (歐洲) foreigners = ngoi6 gwok3 jan4 (外國人) ngoi6 saang2 jan4 (外省人) = (outside born people) outer province people i.e. non guangdong people France = faat3 gwok3 (法國) Bordeaux = bo1 ji5 do1 Golden Coast = wong4 gam1 hoi2 (ng)on6 Cote d Azur (France) = wai3 laam4 hoi2 (ng)on6 (蔚藍海岸) wai3 (蔚) = [adj] luxuriant/exuberant/grand/(of writing style) elegant/impressive Paris = baa1 lai4 (巴黎) (not to be confused with baa1 lei5 (峇里) - Bali) Greece = hei1 laap6 (希臘) Hong Kong (Island) = hoeng1 gong2 (dou2) / bun2 gong2 (slang) Admiralty = gam1 zung1 (金鐘) Causeway bay = tung4 lo4 waan1 Central (place name) = zung1 waan4 (中環) Cheung Chau = coeng4 zau1 (長洲) Clear water bay = cing1 seoi2 waan1 (清水灣) Fanling = fan2 leng5 (粉嶺) Lady's Street = neoi5 jan4 gaai1 (女人街) Kowloon Park = gau2 lung4 gung1 jyun2 (九龍公園) Lamma island = naam4 aa1 dou2 (南丫島) Lan Kwai Fong = laan4 gwai3 fong1 (蘭桂坊) laan4 (蘭) = [n]orchid / [adj] elegant/graceful gwai3 (桂) = cassia or cinnamon / a short name of Kwangsi province fong1 (坊) = [n] lane/alley/neighbourhood/community/urban subdivision / memorial archway fong2 (坊) = [n] workshop/mill Mong Kok = wong6 gok3 (旺角) Nathan Road = lei4 deon1 dou6 (彌敦道) North Point = bak1 gok3 (北角) New Territories = san1 gaai3 (新界) Repulse bay = cin2 seoi2 waan1 (淺水灣) (The) Peak = saan1 deng2 (山頂) Sham Shui Po = sam1 seoi2 bou2 (深水埗) Shanghai Street = soeng6 hoi2 gaai1 (上海街) Peng Chau = ping4 zau1 (坪洲) Sheung Shui = soeng6 seoi2 (上水) Star Boulevard/Star Avenue/Star Road = sing 1 gwong1 daai6 dou6 (星光大道) Stanley = cek3 cyu5 (赤柱) cek3 (赤) = red/crimson/revolutionary/bare/naked/desolate/loyal/sincere/pure/aching/painful/hurtful/icy/freezing/biting cyu5 (柱) = pillar/post/column/pole/column-shaped thing / (math) cylinder Taap3 Mun4 = grassy hill (island) TST = zim1 saa1 zeoi2 (尖沙咀) zim1 (尖) = (adj) sharp/pointed/tapering/advanced/leading/sophisticated/piercing/shrill/sharp-eared/sharp-tongued/quick of hearing / (n) point/tip/top/best of its kind/pick of the bunch/cream of the crop zeoi2 (咀) = [v] chew/masticate / [n] used in place names Wan Chai = waan1 zai2 (灣仔) India = jan3 dou6 (印度) Indonesia = jan3 lei4 (印尼) Japan = jat6 bun2 (日本) Macau = ou3 mun2 (澳門) Malaysia = daai6 maa5 (大馬) New Zealand = nau2 sai1 laan4 (紐西蘭) Philipines = fei1 leot6 ban1 (菲律賓) Romania = lo4 maa5 lei4 aa3 (羅馬尼亞) Russia = ngo4 lo4 si1 (俄羅斯) ngo4 (俄) = very soon/suddenly/presently/shortened form of ngo4 lo4 si1 (俄羅斯) (Russia); Russian lo4 (羅) = [n] bird snare/net for catching birds/silk gauze/light silk fabric / [v] catch birds with a net/collect/gather together/display/spread out/sieve/sift/shake through a sieve si1 (斯) = [pron] this/such / [conj] then/thus ngo4 lo4 si1 fong1 faai3 (俄羅斯方塊) = Russian pieces (Tetris) Moscow = mok6 si1 fo1 (莫斯科) Taiwan = toi4 waan1 (台灣) Taipei = toi4 bak1 (臺北) Thailand = taai3 gwok3 (泰國) Switzerland = seoi6 si6 (瑞士) Swiss Franc = seoi6 si6 faat3 long4 (瑞士法郎) Ukraine = wu1 hak1 laan4 (烏克蘭) Vietnam = jyut6 laam4 (越南) Western countries = sai1 fong1 gwok3 gaa1 (西方國家) court = faat3 ting4 (法庭) go to court = soeng5 faat3 ting4 (上法庭) take to court = daa2 gun1 si1 (打官司) gun1 (官) = government official/officer/office holder/public/general/organ (biology) / [adj] official/state-owned/government-run si1 (司) = [v] have charge of/control/manage/preside over / [n] (government) department judge (court) = faat3 gun1 (法官) judge (not in court) = ping4 pun3 (評判) pun3 (評) = judge/decide/determinate/condemn/sentence/distinguish/discern/differentiate/disparate/obvious defendant = bei6 gou3 jan4 (被告人) bei6 (被) = [v] be (used before passive verb when the doer of the action is not mentioned)/suffer (from) / [prep] by (used when the doer of the action is placed between (被) and the passive verb) [n] quilt/blanket/sheet / [v] cover/envelop/shroud = pei5 (被) plaintiff = jyun4 gou3 (jan4) (原告(人)) jyun4 (原) = [adj] original/initial/primary [n] open country/plain/steppe / [v] excuse/pardon/forgive [n] claim/indemnity / [v] claim compensation/damages = sok3 soeng4 (索償) sok3 (索) = thick rope/cable/look for/search/explore/ask for/demand/claim/alone/lonely/solitary/dull/insipid/uninteresting/tighten/squeeze/twist/ to breathe in/sniff/very attractive/sexy/In Mahjong, the "bamboo" tiles (which actually represent money rope stings) soeng4 (償) = [v] repay/refund/compensate for / [n] payment/pay/reward / [v] fulfill/satisfy (a wish) to claim/proclaim/to state/to assert = syun1 cing1 (宣稱) cing1 (稱) = [v] call/name/term/address as/say/state/express/claim/praise/commend/compliment / [n] name/appellation/designation can3/cing3 (稱) = [v] fit/match/suit/go with / [adj] fit/suitable/symmetrical value = gaa3 zik6 (價值) gaa3 (價) = prices/cost/value/valence (chemistry) zik6 (值) = [n] value/price/cost / [v] worth/merit/deserve/happen to/chance on/meet/be on duty/take turn at sth / [adj] deserving/worthwhile condition/term/clause/qualification/requirement/prerequisite = tiu4 gin2/6 (條件) crazy = jau5 beng6 (有病) = has ill (sick in mind) short circuit (crazy) = sho zo2 lei5 (?咗你) fung1 kwong4/kong4 (瘋狂) = crazy (not so insulting) fung1 (瘋) = insane/mad/crazy/play wilfully/(of plants) overgrow kwong4/kong4 (狂) = mad/crazy/insane/violent/arrogant/unruly/wildly/unrestrainedly/boisterously crease = zau3/caau4 (皺) credit card = seon3 jung6 kaat1 (信用咭) cross = gwo3 (過) cry = haam3 (喊) curious = hou2 kei4 (好奇) cursed place = git3 gaai3 (結界) (Buddhist boundary) cute = dak1 ji3 (得意) (also interesting/weird/self-satisfied/complacent) / zaan2 gwai2 (盞/㜺鬼) (Cantonese only) / ho2 oi3 (可愛) / dak1 jan4 zung1 ji3 (得人中意) (Cantonese only) zung1 ji3 (中意) = love/be to one's liking/catch the fancy of / [v] be fond of/same as zaan2 (盞) = small cup/cup-shaped utensil/classifier for lamps/would merely bring about (sth undesirable)/waste efforts / [variant] zaan6 (賺) D dangerous = ngai4 him2 (危險') date (time) = hou6 (號) date (going out with) = paak3 to1 (拍拖) day = jat6 (日) (zi2 (子) - used when important emphasis or when not proceeded by an indication of how many days) jat6 (日) = [n] sun/day / daily/every day / Japan/Japanese / time / daytime tomorrow = ting1 jat6 (聽日) following day = dai6 ji6 jat6 (第二日) day before yesterday = cin4 jat6 (前日) day after tomorrow = hau6 jat6 (後日) morning am = ziu1 zou2 (朝早) / soeng6 zau3 (上晝) / zou2 soeng5 (早上) afternoon = haa6 zau3 (下晝) / aan3 zau3 (晏晝) aan3 (晏) = peaceful/quiet/clear (sky/sea/water, etc.)/late evening/sunset/night/late/drawing toward the end/younge/junior = maan5 (晚) pong4 maan5 (傍晚) = early evening/dusk/sundown/at nightfall early hours = ling4 san4 (凌晨) deadline = haan6 kei4 (限期) decay = (fu6) zyu3 ((腐)蛀) fu6 (腐) = [v] rot/decay/become putrid / [adj] stale/worn-out/corrupt / [n] bean curd/tofu/soybean zyu3 (蛀) = [v] eat into/bore through/erode / [n] insect that eats books, clothes, wood, etc / [adj] decayed (tooth) deeply + verb* = sam1 (心) + verb definition = ding6 ji6 (定義) to define = haa6 ding6 ji6 (下定義) deliver = sung3 (送) (heoi3 (送去)) depends = si6 fu4 (視乎) ... / tai2 haa5 .. (睇吓...) si6 (視) = [v] look at/inspect/observe/see/watch/consider/regard as/take it for/look upon as/show/receive (present, etc.)/take as a model/imitate just "it depends" = si6 (視) (fu4 (情)) / tai2 cing4 fong3 (睇情況) / ji4 ding6 (而定) / loeng5 tai2 (兩睇) tai2 haa5 (睇下) = take a look/check sth. out. / variation of tai2 haa5 (睇吓) tai2 haa5 dim2 (睇下點) = we will see / we'll see (negative) tai2 haa5 dim2 (睇下點) + verb = we will see / we'll see + verb (neutral) it depends on the circumstances = si6 fu4 cing4 fong3 ji4 ding6 (視情況而定) enter this circumstance = daap6 li1 go3 cing4 fong3 (踏呢個情況) kaau3 dak1 zyu6 (靠得住) = reliable/dependable/responsible/sure kaau3 (靠) = lean against/get near to/stand close by/rely on/depend on/fall back on/trustworthy/reliable to hold together = wai4 hai6 (維繫) wai4 (維) = [v] tie up/hold together/secure/ maintain/safeguard/preserve / [n] thinking/thought/deliberation / [math] dimension (mainly three dimensions) hai6 (繫) = tie/connect/fasten/bind up/relate to/bear on/depend on/be concerned/miss/bind to/button up/wear/knot describe = jing4 jung4 (形容) jung4 (容) = [n] looks/appearance/figure/form/face/expression/countenance/forbearance / [v] contain/hold/allow/permit/forgive/pardon/forbear contents/details = noi6 jung4 (內容) storyline = gu6 si6 noi6 jung4 (故事內容) censor the internet = mong5 lok3 noi6 jung4 sam2 caa4 (網絡內容審查) sam2 (審) = [v] examine/go over/investigate/interrogate/hear/try (a case)/know/discern/appreciate / [adj] cautious/careful/meticulous / [adv] really/indeed noi6 jung4 (內傭) = domestic workers/maid/helper from mainland China (and working in Hong Kong) [abbreviation for] no6 dei6 neoi5 jung4 (內地女傭) / neoi6 dei6 gaa1 jung4 (內地家傭) destroy (break into pieces) = daa2 laan6 (打爛) detached (come off) = lat1 (甩) lat1 (甩) = lose/get rid of/leave somebody behind/throw off/throw/fling/swing daa2 fung1 daa2 m4 lat1 (打風打唔甩) = very stable/will not be shaken/extremely steady/cannot be swayed/unwavering (in) detail = coeng4 sai3 (詳細) bat1 coeng4 (不詳) = not in detail/not quite clear coeng4 (詳) = [adj] detailed/minute/complete/clear/lucid/known / [v] give details/elaborate die = sei2 (死) / less directly - heoi3 sai3 (去世) / lei4 sai3 (離世) / lei4 ging2 (離境) / gwo2 zo2 san1 (過咗身) different = m4 tung4 (唔同) / fan1 bit6 (difference) (分別) / zau6 m4 hai6 (就唔係) What is the difference between A and B ? = A and B, has what difference A tung4 (同) B, jau5 mat1 je5 m4 tung4 (有乜嘢唔同) / fan1 bit6 aa3 (分別呀) ? to differ/difference = soeng1 caa1 (相差) mou5 fan1 bit6 (冇分別) / mat1 dou1 mou5 siu2 dou3 (乜都冇小到) = no difference difficult = (kwan3 (困)) naan4 (難) kwan3 (困) = poverty-stricken/difficult/hard/surround/besiege/encircle/trap/stranded/hard-pressed/afflicted/sleepy/tired out/exhausted naan4 (難) = [adj] difficult/hard/arduous/unpleasant/bad/offensive / [v] corner sb/put sb in a difficult position naan6 (難) = calamity/misfortune/disaster / [v] blame/ rebuke/reprove rare = naan4 dak1 (難得) difficult/unpleasant/calamity/blame = naan4 (難) get/obtain/fit/finished/able to/must = dak1 (得) jat1 zek3 gau2 gam2 (一隻狗噉) = like a dog (metaphor for difficult labours) jat1 zek3 kek6 (一隻屐) = to work very hard (lit., "a single clog") kek6 (屐) = clogs/shoes in general, e.g. sandals/skate shoes dilute = taam5 (淡) daam6 / taam5 (淡) = (of food, drinks, etc) bland/tasteless/weak / (of liquid, air, fragrance, etc) thin/light / (of colour) light/pale/delicate / indifferent; cool/not enthusiastic / (of business, etc) dull/slack/stagnant direction = fong1 hoeng3 (方向) fong1 (方) = square/rectangular/honest/morally upright/region/area/place/prescription/recipe/direction/occultism/just now/just then/just/power (mathematics)/method/way/aspect/one side short for square meter or cubic meter (classifier) East = dung1 (東) South = naam4 (南) West = sai1 (西) North = bak1 (北) dung1 naam4 sai1 bak1 (東南西北) Cantonese equivalent of Never Eat Shredded Wheat and all directions in this order = everywhere in China above = soeng6 min6 (上面) at = hai2 (喺) behind = hau6 min6 (後面) between = obj1 + tung4 (同) + obj2 + zung1 gaan1 (中間) close/near = gan6 / kan5 (近) nearby = fu6 gan6 (附近) fu6 (附) = attach/enclose/add/append/get close to/be near/depend on/rely on/comply with gan6/kan5 (近) = near/close/nearby/neighbouring/approximate/approaching/close on/intimate/closely related corner = gok3 (角) cross = gwo3 (過) entrance = jap6 hau2 (入口) exit = ceot1 hau2 (出口) exit & entrance = mun4 hau2 (門口) facing towards (opposite) = min6 deoi3 (面對) or hoeng3/deoi3 zyu6 (向對住) / deoi3 min6 (對面) far = jyun5 (遠) jyun5 (遠) = [adj] far away (in time or space)/distant in relationship / [adv] by far/far and away/not anywhere near zaang1 hou2 jyun5 (爭好遠) = extremely different/wholly deficient or inadequate [Cantonese only] keoi5 lei4 (距離) = distance/to distance/to be apart footpath = zau2 dou6 (走道) front = cin4 min6/bin1 (前面/邊) go down (formal) = wong5 haa6 (往下) wong5 (往) = [v] go/head for/leave for / [adj] past/previous/former / [prep] toward/in the direction of hoeng3 wong5 (嚮往) = to look forward to/to yearn for hoeng3 (嚮) = prefer/favour/incline to hoeng2 (嚮) = guide/lead/direct kei4 doi6 (期待) = eager to/to expect/to look forward to/expectation inside = jap6/leoi5 min6/bin1 (入/裏面/邊) leoi5 (裡/裏) = [n] inside/inner \| [antonym] ngoi6 (外) / [prep] in/at/during/over / suffix used to indicate here, there, where lei5 (裡/裏) = [n] lining/inside (of a garment) junction = gaai1 hau2 (街口) left = zo2 (左) middle = zung1 (中) zung1 tou4 (中途) = midway tou4 (途) = road/way/journey/route next = haa6 (下) next door/next to/neighbour = gaak3 lei4 (隔離) on = soeng6 bin1/min6 (上面/邊) go up = soeng5 (heoi3) (上(去)) opposite (statically facing) = deoi3 (to) min6 (對面) opposite (moving in opposite direction) = soeng1 faan2 (相反) faan2 (反) = opposite/upside down/inside out/turn over/reverse/turn around/combat/oppose/go against/counter/return/rebuke/on the contrary/instead oppose = faan2 deoi3 (反對) deoi3 (對) = opposite on the contrary/instead/contrary to = faan2 ji4 (反而) inside-out = faan2 zyun3 zo2 (反轉咗) outside = ceot1 / ngoi6 bin1 / min6 (出/外面/邊) road = (maa5) lou6 ((馬)路) (tiu4) (條) lou6 (路) = road/path/way/distance/means/course/direction/sequence/line/logic/type/kind/class/grade jat1 lou6 (一路) = go the same way/all the way/throughout the journey/of the same kind/take the same route/single file/doing 2 things simutaneously jat1 lou6 (一路) xxx jat1 lou6 (一路) yyy = xxx & yyy simutaneously jat1 lou6 lou6 (一路路) = gradually ask for directions = man6 lou6 (問路) lost (way/direction) = dong6 sat1 lou6 (蕩失路) dong6 (蕩) = loiter/loaf around/unsettled/swing/sway/wave/debauched/licentious/loose in morals/rinse/cleanse/wash away/clean up/get rid of/clean out/vast/broad and level/large/shallow lake/pond/pool dead end = gwat6 tau4 lou6 (倔頭路) / sei2 lou6 (死路) section = dyun6 (段) e.g. 1 section of road = jat1 dyun6 lou6 (一段路) path = siu2 lou6 (tiu4) (小路(條)) pavement = haang4 jan4 dou6 (行人道) / hang4 jan4 lou6 (行人路) route/(political) course = lou6 sin3 (路線) right = jau6 (右) side of = pong4 bin1 (旁邊) pong4 (旁/傍) = [n/adj] side/adjacent/close by / [adj] other/else/aside from/extensive/wide pong4 haau1 zak1 gik1 (傍敲側擊) = to ask slyly haau1 (敲) = knock/beat/strike/rap/overcharge/fleece/extort zak1 (側) = [n, adj] side/sideways/sidelong / [v] incline to one side/lean/slant/tilt/slope gik1(擊) = hit/beat/strike/click/attack/assault/thrust/bump into/impact/come in contact stop = ting4 (object) / zo2 zi2 (阻止) (doing) zo2 (阻) = hinder/block/obstruct/impede/restrain zi2 (止) = [v] stop/halt/desist/still/rest in/stay/detain/deportment/prohibit/come to/arrive at / still/calm/stagnant/only straight ahead = zik6 heoi3 (直去) / haang4 (行) zik6 (直) = [adj/v] straight/straighten / [adj] vertical/perpendicular/upright/just/honest/fair/outspoken/frank/straightforward [adv] directly/continuously/simply he is honest/direct = keoi5 hou2 zik6 (佢好直) directly/simply/completely/truly = zik6 tau4 (直頭) street = gaai1 (街) gaai1 baa3 (街霸) = “Street Fighter” (video game) baa3 (霸) = lord it over/dominate/tyrannize/tyrant/despot/bully/overlord towards = hoeng3 (向) turn (revolve/rotate/spin / [n] a round trip) = zyun3 (轉) under = haa6 bin1/min6 (下邊/面) upside down = dou2 (倒) walk = haang4 (lou6) (行路) Which way? = bin1 go3 fong1 hoeng3 aa3? (邊個方向呀?) dirty = wu1 zou1 (污糟) / laat6 taat3 (邋遢) discover = faat3 jin6 (發現) / faat3 ming4 (to invent) (發明) / faat3 gok3 (發覺) faat3 (發) = send out/deliver/issue/dispatch/launch/discharge/fire/shoot/generate/produce/transmit/trigger off/set to work/expand/expose/discover/reveal/flourish/prosper/make a fortune/turn into/become/get/feel/classifier for ammunition jin6 (現) = appear/emerge/reveal/manifest/become visible/current/now/present/modern/in time of need/cash/ready/available/actual cing4 jin6 (呈現) = to appear/emerge/present (a certain appearance)/demonstrate/to show cing4 (呈) = to submit (a report, etc) to a superior/present respectfully/hand in/reveal/show/emerge / [n] petition/memorial/document submitted to a superior faat3 jim4 = inflammation (發炎) jim6 (炎) = scorching/burning hot/blazing/inflammation faat3 gok3 = realise (發覺) faat3 zin2 = to develop/development (發展) zin2 (展) = open up/spread out/unfold/expand/stretch/extend (space)/prolong/postpone/extend (time)/exhibit/display/put on show/put to good use/give free play to disgusting = wat6 dat6 (鶻突) dizzy = tau4 wan4 (頭暈) faint (verb) = wan4 dou2 (暈倒) faint/dizzy/halo = wan4 (倒) dou2 (倒) = fall over/topple/overthrow/(business) fail/collapse/be spoiled/malfunction/change/shift/exchange/move around / (v) pour out/tip/dump (garbage but not in a bag, when in a bag typically use dam2) dou3 (倒) = (v) turn upside down/invert/reverse/move backwards/turn back / (adj) upside down/inverse/inverted / (adv) unexpectedly / (indicating contradiction) just/merely/only / (indicating concession) although/but/all right / (indicating impatience) after all [v] do work/make/do/act as/pretend to be/give (a party/reception/etc.)/enter (a profession)/become = zou6 (做) zou6 je5 (做嘢) = do things (work) doctor = ji1 sang1 (醫生) ji1 (醫) = [n] doctor/physician/surgeon/medical science/medicine / [v] cure/treat/heal Chinese medicine doctor = zung1 ji1 (中醫) see a doctor = tai2 ji1 sang1 (睇醫生) / tai2 beng6 (睇病) medicine = joek6 (藥) pill = joek6 jyun2 (藥丸) zai1 (劑) = [n] medication/medicament/chemical agent / [classifier] dose (of herbal medicine) / [v] prepare/compound (medicine and drugs) pan3 zai1 (噴劑) = spray medication medicine drink = joek6 seoi2 (藥水) ointment = joek6 gou1 (藥膏) gam2 jim5 (感染) = to infect/to contaminate/to influence jim5 (染) = dye/tint/colour/contract (a disease, a bad habit, etc)/get infected/pollute/soil/contaminate/illicit relationship jim5 duk6 (染毒) = contamination infection cases = gam2 jim5 go3 on3 (感染個案) case study = go3 on3 fan1 sik1 (個案分析) fan1 sik1 (分析) = to analyse/analysis/analytical cyun4 jim5 (傳染) = to infect/to transmit a disease je5 (惹) = cause/attract/incur/court/offend/provoke/tease/irritate/to infect/to contaminate vaccine = jik6 miu4 (疫苗) / daa2 zam1 (injection really) (打針) epidemic disease/pestilence/plague = jik6 (疫) seedling/shoot/young plant/sth resembling a young plant/young of some domestic animals = miu4 (苗) zam1 (針) = needle/needle-like object/injection/shot/stitch/acupuncture ill = beng6 (病) cold (ill) = soeng1 fung1 (傷風) / pou2 tung1 gam2 mou6 (普通感冒) gam2 mou6 (感冒) = flu gam2 (感) = [v] feel/find/perceive/sense/respond to/emotion/sensation mou6 (冒) = emit/give off/send out/risk/brave/jeopardize/affront/offend/bold/rash/assume false identity/pose as immunity/immune system = min5 jik6 hai6 tung2 (免疫系統) germs = beng6 jyun4 (病源) bacteria = sai3 kwan2 (細菌) symptoms = beng6 zing1 (病徵) virus = beng6 duk6 (病毒) duk6 (毒) = [n] poison/toxin/harmful influence/narcotics/narcotic drugs / [adj] poisonous/toxic/malicious / [v] poison/damage/spoil jau5 duk6 (有毒) = poisonous fuk6 duk6 (服毒) = take poison jau5 duk6 mat6 zat1 (有毒物質) = poisonous substances zau2 zing1 zung3 duk6 (酒精中毒) = alcohol poisoning sik6 mat6 zung3 duk6 (食物中毒) = food poisoning jat1 joeng5 faa3 taan3 zung3 duk6 (一氧化碳中毒) = carbon monoxide poisoning jat1 joeng5 faa3 taan3 (一氧化碳) = carbon monoxide (CO) taan3 (碳) = carbon gaai2 duk6 joek6/zai1 (解毒藥/劑) = antidote zai1 (劑) = [n] medication/medicament/chemical agent / [classifier] dose (of herbal medicine) / [v] prepare/compound (medicine and drugs) mui4 duk6 (梅毒) = syphilis siu1 duk6 (消毒) = to disinfect/disinfection siu1 duk6 zai1 (消毒劑) = disinfectant, antiseptic siu1 duk6 hei3 (消毒器) = sterilizer (device) gaai2 duk6 joek6 (解毒藥) = antidote cong4 duk6 (藏毒) = drug possession duk6 ban2 (毒品) = drugs (generally illicit)/poison zung3 duk6 (中毒) = to be poisoned/intoxication/poisoning/toxication kap1 duk6 吸毒) = to take drugs duk6 hoi6 (毒害) = to poison (sb.'s mind)/to infect/to corrupt wong4 fung1 mei5 hau5 zam1 zeoi3 duk6 fu5 jan4 sam1 (黃蜂尾後針最毒婦人心) = a woman can be deadly and vicious (more than the hornet's sting) faan3 duk6 (販毒) = drug trade/opium trade/drug trafficking duk6 faan32 (毒販) = drug dealer duk6 cung4 (毒蟲) = poisonous insects/snakes jam1 duk6 (陰毒) = (person) vicious with a friendly exterior/insidious/sinister kap1 duk6 ze2 (吸毒者) = a drug addict oi3 zi1 beng6 duk6 (愛滋病毒) / jan4 leoi6 min5 jik6 kyut3 haam6 beng6 duk6 (人類免疫缺陷病毒) = HIV zi1 (滋) = [v] grow/multiply/breed/cause/give rise to/create/burst/spurt/spout / [n] flavour/taste haam6 ham6 (陷) = get stuck/get bogged down/sink/trap/pitfall/frame up/harm sb with trumped-up charges / [military] make a break through / defect/deficiency lau4 gam2 beng6 duk6 (流感病毒) = influenza baa1 si62 dak1 siu1 duk6 (巴士德消毒) / baa1 si1 dak1 siu1 duk6 faat3 (巴斯德消毒法) = pasteurization duk6 coi3 (毒菜) = pesticide-tainted/contaminated vegetable din6 nou5 beng6 duk6 (電腦病毒) = computer virus ji5 duk6 gung1 duk6 (以毒攻毒) = to fight a fire with fire; to kill poison with poison gung1 (攻) = attack/raid/assault/accuse/charge/assail/study/specialize in/work at hak1/ok3 duk6 (刻/惡毒) = malicious/spiteful/venomous fu2 duk6 (苦毒) = bitterness/resentment surgery = sau2 seot6 (手術) seot6 (術) = art/skill/technique/method/tactics/strategy vasectomy = syu1 zing1 gun2 git3 zaat3 sau2 seot6 (輸精管結紮手術) / syu1 zing1 gun2 cit3 ceoi4 sau2 seot6 (輸精管切除手術) / git3 zaat3 sau2 seot6 (結紮手術) / naam4 sing3 zyut6 juk6 sau2 seot6 (男性絕育手術) measure (actually explore) temperature = taam3 jit6 (探熱) zyun1 fo1 ji1 sang1 (專科醫生) = specialist doctor document (official) = man4 gin2 (文件) doesn't matter = mou5 so2 wai6 (無所謂) / m4 gan2 jiu3 (唔緊要) so2 wai6 (無所) = so-called, but not necessarily used in a negative sense as it is in English; but rather is like "quasi" "pseudo", indicating that it is not fully the strict definition of it. door = mun4 (門) (measure word dou6 (度)) gate/ door/water gate / brake/switch / [v] dam up a stream/river/etc = zaap6 (閘) jap6 zaap6 (入閘) = [v] to enter the gate (of MTR) jap6 zaap6 gei1 (入閘機) = [n] ticket gate (for the MTR) door handle = mun4 baa2 (門把) baa2 (把) = [v] grasp/seize/manipulate/guard/watch/keep under surveillance/chain/lock/hold in place / [n] handle/hold/grip/bundle/bunch / [classifier] for sth in a bunch with a handle, e.g. straw, flowers, key, knife, scissors, umbrella / [classifier] handful of (tears, sweat, earth, fire) / [classifier] for sth abstract, e.g. age, effort, efficiency / [prep] used before a direct object and a verb often carrying the sense of disposal / [adj] odd, or so/more or less / [archaic] sworn brotherhood fo2 baa2 (火把) = torch jat1 baa2 (一把) = handful daai6 baa2 (大把) = a lot/many sou3 baa2 (掃把) = broom sou3 baa2 sing1 (掃把星) = comet/harbinger of bad luck dak1 baa2 seng1 (得把聲) / dak1 baa2 hau2 (得把口) = all talk and no action baa2 hei3 (把戲) = acrobatics/trick baa2 sau2 (把手) = handle/grip/knob jat1 baa2 sau2 (一把手) = a party to an undertaking/a member/a hand/a good hand baa2 beng3 (把柄) / baa2 zi2 (把子) = handle/excuse ce1 baa2 (車把) = handlebar/shaft tau4 gei1 dou2 baa2 (投機倒把) = (saying) to play the market baa2 fung1 (把風) = keep watch (in a clandestine activity) baa2 ci4 (把持) = control/dominate/monopolize go3 baa2 (個把) = one or two baa2 gwai2 (把鬼) = pointless baa2 mak6 (把脈) = feel pulse mak6/maak6 (脈) = blood vessel/arteries and veins/pulse (of blood vessel)/blood-vessel-like network, e.g. mountain range/stems of a leaf, wings of insects mak6 - affectionate/amorous/loving saa2 baa2 hei3 (耍把戲) = to juggle (with)/to play tricks saa2 (耍) = frolic/play/amuse/play with zou6 baa2 hei3 (做把戲) = perform conjuring tricks/conjure/juggle jau5 baa2 ak1 (有把握) = confident of success ak1 (握) = grasp/hold/possess/close/clench the fist ling1 taa1 jat1 baa2 (拎他一把) / (zo6) jat1 bei3 zi1 lik6 ((助)一臂之力) = to lend a helping hand zi6 baa2 zi6 wai4 (自把自為) = when others say not to do it but you still do it baa2 sik1 (把式) = person skilled in a trade/skill baa2 wan2 (把穩) = trustworthy/dependable baa2 zau2 (把酒) = raise one's wine cup/fill a wine cup for sb to1 baa2 (拖把) = mop baa2 ak1 bat1 liu5 (把握不了) = unable to grasp liu5 (了) = [aspect marker] indicating completed action / [final particle] indicating change of situation / [v] finish/end/conclude/settle / [verb particle] indicating possibility gwai2 baa2 hei3 (鬼把戲) = sinister plot/dirty trick zau1 san1 dou1 mou5 baa2 lei6 (周身刀冇把利) = jack of all trades baa2 paau3 (把炮) = ability/strength/pride/arrogance paau3 (炮) = cannon/big gun/mortar/firecracker/prepare herbal medicine by roasting or parching baau3 (炮) = quick-fry/saute / [v] dry by heat jau5 baa2 paau3 (有把炮) = confident/certain/dependable/reliable jau4 ji4 (猶疑) = to hesitate jau4 (猶) = like/similar to/just like/as if/tantamount to/still/yet/even/especially/while//strategy/scheme/plot/a kind of monkey ji4 (疑) = [v] doubt/suspect/distrust / [adj] doubtful/uncertain/puzzled / [n] question/suspicion/uncertainty baa2 pei3 (把屁) = to do sth that is pointless daai6 baa2 sai3 gaai3 (大把世界) = to be rich/to have many chances to make money dak1 baa2 ngaa4 (得把牙) = boasting/boastful talk jat1 baa2 fo2 (一把火) = angry/angered/filled with hate baa2 gei2 fo2 (把幾火) = extremely angry jaa5 baa2 (也把) = also gaa1 baa2 hau2 (加把口) = to interrupt when someone is speaking baa2 hau2 m4 sau1 (把口唔收) = to not guard one's mouth/to have not verbal taboo baa2 sam1 m4 ding6 (把心唔定) = be hesistant/indecisive/wavering/irresolute baa2 taai5 (把舦 - steering wheel) = steer a boat/operate a rudder/take the tiller coi1 gwo3 nei5 baa2 hau2 (啋過你把口) = (an exclamation to something inappropriate) coi1 (啋) = [interjection] pah! pooh! bah! baa2 gaa1 (把家) = run a household/keep house baa2 mui62 (把妹) = to chase girls/to pick up girls lip6 jat1 baa2 laang5 hon6 (捏一把冷汗) = break out in a cold sweat (due to fear, tension or nervousness) lip6 (捏) = pinch/hold with fingers/knead/mould/bring togethe/fabricate/concoct/cook up/clench sei2 sing6/zing6 baa2 hau2 (死剩把口) = to talk too much, to keep chattering away gaa1 baa2 ging6 (加把勁) = try harder/make greater efforts dormitory = suk1 se3 (宿舍) dozen = daa1 (打) draw/mark = waak6 waa2 (畫畫) dream (noun) = mung6 (dou3) (夢(到)) dream (verb) = faat3 mung6 (發夢) faat3 (發) = send out/launch/generate drink = jam2 (飲) alcohol = zau2 (酒) drunk = zeoi3 (醉) beer = be1 zau2 (啤酒) coca cola = ho2 lok3 (可樂) coffee = gaa3 fe1 (咖啡) instant coffee = zik1/cuk1 jung4 gaa3 fe1 (即/速溶咖啡) gaa3 fe1 jan1 (咖啡因) = caffeine jyun1 joeng1 (鴛鴦) = (in HK) coffee mixed with tea / mandarin ducks / affectionate/lovey-dovey couple/lovebirds drinks = je5 jam2 (嘢飲) milk = laai5 (奶) laai5 zeoi2 (奶嘴) = dummy (milk lips) milk tea = laai5 caa4 (奶茶) bubble tea = zan1 zyu1 laai5 caa4 (珍珠奶茶) refreshing = cing1 song2 (清爽) tea = caa4 (茶) Jasmine = hoeng1 pin4 (香片) pu’er = pou2 lei2 (普洱) lemon tea = ling2 (mung1) caa4 (檸(檬)茶) naan4 jam2 (難飲) = very bad in taste (drink) naan4 sik6 (難食) = very bad in taste (food) drinking straw = jam2 gun2 (飲管) dry = gon1 (cou3) (乾(燥)) gon1 (乾) = [adj] dry/aridadopted/dried up/drained off/exhausted/adoptive/not related by blood / [n] dried food/vegetable/fruit / [v] empty/dry/drink all / [adv] vainly/helplessly/doing nothing kin4 (乾) = one of the eight trigrams (or diagrams) kwan1 (坤) = to trick/fool/cheat/lure/female/feminine/women's/one of the eight Trigrams sap1 (濕) = [adj] wet/moist/damp/humid / [n] humidity - one of the six external factors that cause diseases according to Chinese medicine) cou3 (燥) = dry/parched dust = can4 (塵) E early = zou2 (早) early ... = .. tau4 (虱) earth = dei6 kau4 (地球) World = sai3 gaai3 (世界) in all parts of (a country), various regions = gok3 dei6 (各地) [pron] each/every/all / [adv] each (other)/individually/separately = gok3 (各) all kinds/all sorts = gok3 sik1 gok3 joeng6 (各式各樣) easy = (jung4) ji6 ((容)易) easy/simple/liable to/amiable/lenient = ji6 (易) with great difficulty = hou2 jung4 ji6 (好容易) ("very easy", mostly used in an ironic context to mean the opposite of its literal meaning) easily/readily = hing1 ji6 (輕易) eat/have a meal / [n] food/meal/(poultry) feed/sth edible/sth used for cooking/eclipse (usu sik6/sit6 (蝕)) = sik6 (食) zi6 (食) = [v] [literary] feed sik6/sit6 (蝕) = (of moths, etc) eat into/nibble away/erode/corrode/eclipse \| [variant] sik6 食 sik6/sit6 (蝕) = suffer a loss/wear out eat things = sik6 je5 (食嘢) wai3 (餵) = feed/raise/keep -ed (completed action / change of same object / person) = zo2 (咗) If asking a question with a past tense verb must use = mei6 e.g. keoi5 sik6 zo2 ngaan3 mei6 aa? (佢食咗飯未呀?) Can also something/one has become. e.g. You have become pretty = lei5 leng3 zo2 (你靚咗) education = gaau3 juk6/hok6 (教書/學) - gaau3 hok6 - "lecturer" point of view whereas gaau3 juk6 - student point of view juk6 (書) = [v] give birth to/produce/rear/raise/bring up/educate/cultivate/nurture / [n] education elective = syun2 sau1 fo1 (選修科) exam = haau2 si5 (考試) haau2 (考) = [v] examine/ test/quiz/check/inspect/study/consider/think over/ponder / [n] exam/examination/test / [literary] one's deceased father si3 / si5 (試) = [v] test/try/experiment/use/examine/examination/sound out/put up a trial balloon/compare / [n] trial/test oral exam = hau2 si5 (口試) hap6 gaak3 (合格) = qualified/eligible/to pass a test assignment (student work) = gung1 fo3 (功課) mock exam = mou4 ji5 haau2 si5 (模擬考試) mou4 (模) = [n] model/pattern/standard/norm/mould/matrix/die/form / [v] imitate/copy/simulate ji5 (擬) = intend/plan/decide/draft/draw up/design/imitate/copy/model after/suppose/assume/imagine/compare/match/be analogous to\| education system = gaau3 juk6 (教書) / hok6 zai3 dou6 (學制度) formal = zing3 tung2 (正統) major = zyu2 sau1 (主修) zyu2 (主) = [n] master/chief/leader/owner/hos/main aim/goal/Jesus Christ/God/Lord / [v] officiate at/preside over/take charge of/direct/head/control/determine / main/chief/primary/principal master/head of the family = jat1 gaa1 zi1 zyu2 (一家之主) cook of the family = jat1 gaa1 zi1 zyu2 (一家之煮) pedagogics/pedagogy = gaau3 juk6 hok6 (教育學) scholarship = zoeng2 hok6 gam1 (獎學金) student = hok6 saang1 (學生) foreign exchange student = lau4 hok6 saang1 (留學生) study = duk6 (syu1) (讀(書)) school principal = haau6 zoeng2 (校長) international relations = gwok3 zai3 (國際) scientist = fo1 hok6 gaa1 (科學家) fo1 (科) = [n] section/department/class/variety/family (of plants or animals)/subject in the civil service examination of former times/branch of academic or vocational studies / rule/laws / the action in Chinese opera / [v] mete out (prison, terms, etc.)/levy (taxes, etc.)/fine someone hok6 (學) = [v] learn/study/imitate/relate/report speech / [n] school/college/academy/learning/knowledge/erudition/subject/discipline/branch of learning / [prep] like/similar to gaa1 (家) = home/family/household/specialist in a certain field/person of certain trade or characteristics/school of thought/party/side/contender/classifier for firms or other enterprises science as a subject = lei5 fo1 (理科) study/research = jin4 gau3 (研究) jin4 (研) = [v] study/research/discuss ngaan4 (研) = [v] grind/pulverize/pestle nasal-stop alternant ngaat6 (扤) ngaat6 (扤) = sway/rock/move ngat1 (扤) = (Cantonese only) squeeze/force/stuff into/force/compel/shift onto gau3 (究) = [v] investigate/dig into/study carefully / [adv] after all/actually/really sci-fi = fo1 waan6 (科幻) waan6 (幻) = unreal/illusory/imaginary/magical/changeable physics = mat6 lei5 (hok6) (物理(學)) Albert Einstein = oi3 jan1 si1 taan2 (愛因斯坦) quantum = loeng6 zi2 (量子) gau2 cin4 (糾纏) = tangle/get entangled/quibble over/be worried by/be troubled with/be pestered by rectify/correct/redress/entangle/snarl/bog down/gather/band together/assemble/supervise/superintend/picket = gau2 (糾) coil/twine/wind/roll/pester/harass/importune = cin4 (纏) biology = sang1 mat6 (hok6) (生物(學)) chemistry = faa3 hok6 mat6/zok3 jung6 (化學物/作用) teach = gaau3 (syu1 / hok6) (教(書 / 學)) to train = fan3 lin6 (訓練) fan3 (訓) = lecture/teach/admonish/ teachings/instructions/lesson /training (sports, military, etc)/model/standard/example lin6 (練) = [v] practise/drill/exercise/train / [adj] skilled/experienced/seasoned / [n,v] white silk/boil and whiten raw silk practise / exercise / train = lin6 zaap6 (練習) [v] practise/drill/exercise/train / [adj] skilled/experienced/seasoned / [n,v] white silk/boil and whiten raw silk = lin6 (練) [v] learn/familiarise oneself with/receive training in/practice/follow/repeat = zaap6 (習) teacher = lou5 si1 (老師) teacher training college = si1 faan6 daai6 hok6 (師範大學) uniform (general) = zai3 fuk6 (制服) fuk6 (服) = [n] clothes/dress/costumes/mourning apparel / [v] take (medicine)/serve/bear/undertake/convince/obey/concede/be accustomed to/get used to / [classifier] dose (of medicine) seoi3 fuk6 (說服) = to persuade/to convince/to talk sb. over syut3 (說) = [v] speak/talk/say/tell/explain/clarify/make clear/criticize/scold/admonish/try to influence sb to do sth/mean/refer to/indicate / [n] theory/teachings/doctrine seoi3 (說) = [v] persuade/lobby/convince jyut6 (說) = variant of jyut6 (悦) - delighted/to delight/pleased/pleasure/happy school uniform = haau6 fuk6 (校服) electricity = din6 (電) electricity pole = din6 sin3 gon1 (電線竿) pole/staff/post/shaft = gon1 (竿) electricity power station = din6 cong2 (電廠) cong2 (廠) = factory/plant/mill/works/workshop/yard/depot adj] eco-friendly/environmentally friendly/green / [n] abbreviated form of waan4 ging2 bou2 wu6 (環境保護) "'environmental protection" = waan4 bou2 (環保) waan4 (環) = [n] ring (esp of jade)/hoop/loop/link/one part of the whole / [v] surround/encircle/hem in electrical socket / plug = caap3 sou1 (wai2) (插蘇位) (Note: sou1 (蘇) - loan word "socket") caap3 (插) = insert/stick into/plug in/interpose/intersperse/cut in/stab with knife, etc sou1 (蘇) = tassel/fringe/short for Soviet Union/short for Jiangsu province or Suzhou caap3 sau2 (插手) = butt in/get into the act/have a hand in/meddle in/take part/wade in eliminate = ceoi4 (除) / tou4 taai3 (淘汰 "kick out" through selection/become obsolete) [v] get rid of/do away with/eliminate/[archaic] appoint sb to office / [prep] except/besides/apart from / [v/n] [math] divide/division = ceoi4 (除) undress/take off = ceoi4 saam1 (除衫) apart from/except for = ceoi4 zo2 (除咗) ... zi1 ngoi6 (之外) (Any part can be omitted but the part used keeps its "place" in the construct.) ceoi4 fei1 (除非) = unless/only if/only when fei1 (非) = [v/adj/adv] not/negative/non-/be not / [n/adj] wrong/unjustified/wrongdoing / [v] blame/censure/criticize / [adv] unless/simply must/have got to tou4 taai3 (淘汰) = to eliminate through competition or selection/to sift out/to weed out/to die out/to fall into disuse/to become obsolete tou4 (淘) = [v] wash away the impurities/dredge/clean out/scour/tax one's energy / [adj] naughty/mischievous taai3 (汰) = discard/eliminate/remove/sift embarrassed = gaam3 gaai3 (尷尬) gaam3/gaam1 (尷) = embarrassed/awkward/ill at ease gaai3 (尬) = embarrassed/ill at ease / [v] limp/stagger embassy = daai6 si2 gun2 (大使館) end = zeoi3 hau6 / mei5 (最後 / 尾) tail = mei5 (尾) energy (physical) = lik6 loeng6 (力量) energy (electrical) = nang4 loeng6 (能量) enough = gau3 (夠) gau3 (夠) = enough/sufficient/reach (a standard)/tired of/fed up with / [adv] too/all the same (action) enough verb = (action) verb dou3 mun6 (到悶) (till bored) -er than = gwo3 (過) A is ?(measure) + adj-er + than B = A + adj + gwo3 (過) + B + ? (measure) e.g. He is 3 cm taller than me = keoi5 gou1 gwo3 ngo5 saam1 lei4 mai5 (佢高過我三厘米) ciu1 gwo3 (超過) = to exceed/to surpass/to pass/to overtake/to transcend ciu1 (超) = exceed/surpass/excel/overtake/super/transcend/go beyond/rise above/to stare/to watch/spectacles/an expression of anger or surprise (euphemism for pennies) gwo3 (過) = pass/cross/walk/ across/through/over/spend time/pass time/surpass/exceed/excel/too much/excessive/unduly/mistake/demerit/fault/particle marking experiential aspect -er (not in comparison) = di1 (啲) better = hou2 di1 (好啲) -est = zeoi3- (最-) least/smallest = zeoi3 siu2 (最少) at least/at the very least/to say the least / [Cantonese only] the least = zi3 siu2 (至少) optimum/optimal/peak = zeoi3 gaai1 (最佳) final/ultimate = zeoi3 zung1 (最終) escape = place + tou4 (逃) zau2 / tou4 (逃) lei4 + place (physically or really escape when you are already there) run away/escape/flee/dodge/evade/avoid/shirk = tou4 (逃) run/walk/go on foot/leave/go away/move/leak/reveal/let out/lose the original shape, flavour, etc = zau2 tou4 bei6 逃避 = to evade (metaphorically escape/avoid going there in the 1st place) bei6 = avoid/evade/shun/avert/prevent/keep away/repel to dodge = bei6 hoi1 (避開) zau2 m4 lat1 (走唔甩) = cannot escape estate = dei6 caan2 (地產) estate agent = dei6 caan2 ging1 gei2 (地產經紀) dei6 (地) = earth/land/soil/ground/district/location/site/plurality marker for pronouns/used after an adjective (usu reduplicated) to form a colloquial modifying phrase - less used than alternative dei6/2 (哋) dei2 (地) [Cantonese Only] = [suffix] used after an adjective (usu reduplicated) to form a colloquial modifying phrase dei6 (哋) [Cantonese Only] = used after a personal pronoun to indicate plurality [variant] dei6 (地) dei2 (哋) = [adv] somewhat/a bit/a little (used after a reduplicated adjective to form an adjectival phrase) / [adv suffix] -ly (affixed to a reduplicated adjective to form an adverbial phrase) [variant] dei6 (地) caan2 (產) = bear (offspring)/give birth to/breed/produce/product/manufacture/yield/property/estate/wealth/possessions ging1 (經) = classic/scripture/sutra/canon/unchanged law/rule/principle/longitude/menstruation/pass through/undergo/experience/stand/endure/manage/run/deal/engage in/constant/regular/sensible gei2 (紀) = discipline/law/standard/historical record/epoch/period/age even if ... ... / granted that/given that/even if = zau6 syun3 .... dou1 .... (就算...都...) be that as it may = zau6 syun3 hai6 gam2 (就算係噉) even = zau6 syun3 (就算) / sam6 zi3 lin4 (甚至連) even/to the point of/to the extent of = sam6 zi3 fu4 (甚至乎) / jyu1 (於) / mou4 (無) sam6 (甚) = [adv] extremely/very/considerably / [v] exceed/be more than / [pron] what (used mainly in the term 甚麼 sam6 mo1) suffix used after some Chinese characters/suffix used as a syllable inserted in a line of a song for balance = mo1 (麼) [v] reach (destination)/arrive at/extremely/very/to indicate the superlative degree/the most/only then (shortened for sin1 zi3 (先至))/most/extremely = zi3 (至) fu4 (乎) = to/at/in/from/than / [archaic] interrogative/exclamatory final particle even though/although = seoi1 jin4 (雖然) seoi1 (雖) = although/though/even/even though/even if/despite the fact that every = mui5 (每) (jat1 (一)) / repeat measure word or noun if no need for measure word e.g. jat6 jat6 (日日) / nin4 nin4 (年年) / maan5 maan5 (晚晚)) mui5 (每) = every/each/per every day life = jat6 soeng4 sang1 wut6 (日常生活) every duration action no of times object e.g. mui5 jaa6 sei3 go3 zung1 jat1 ding6 jiu3 zou6 jat1 ci3 caak1 si3 (每廿四個鐘一定要做一次測試) = every 24 hours must do 1 time test everyone/we = daai6 gaa1 (大家) (big home/family) / mui5 go3 jan4 (每個人) / go3 go3 jan4 (個個人) daai6 gaa1 hou2 (大家好) = Hello everyone (an expression to greet a group of people) everyone here (you all, polite, referring to persons, commonly used in speeches) = gok3 wai2 (各位) everywhere = bin1 dou6 do1 (邊度多) / zau1 gaai1 (周街) / dou3 cyu3 (到處) example = pei3 jyu4 (譬如) / lai6 zi2 (例子) pei3 (譬) = liken/compare/make an analogy/example/analogy/simile jyu4 (如) = if/supposing/as if/like/as/as good as/equal to/follow (advice)/listen to/go to/arrive at/should/ought/on time/in time lai6 (例) = [n] example/instance/case/precedent/convention/regulation/rule/law / [adj] routine/regular take ... as an example = jung6 ... zou6 lai6 zi2 (用 ... 做例子) / lai4 gai3 exercise (class text) = fo3 man4 (課文) exercise (sportingly) = wan6 dung6 (運動) wan6 (運) = [v] move/revolve/transport/ship/utilise/make use of/one's luck/fortune action/movement = dung6 zok3 (動作) play/hit = daa2 (打) badminton = jyu5 mou4 kau4 (羽毛球) feather = jyu5 mou4 (羽毛) basketball = laam4 kau4 (籃球) football = zuk1 kau4 (足球) (tyun4 (團) classifier for a ball/ball-shaped thing) zuk1 (足) = foot/leg/enough/sufficient/adequate/fully/as much as kick/play (football) = tek3 (踢) keep fit = keep haa5 (吓) fit run = paau2 bou6 (跑步) tennis = mong5 kau4 (網球) trainers = wan6 dung6 haai4 (運動鞋) table tennis/billards/snooker/pool = toi4 bo1 (informal) (枱/檯波) / coek3/zoek3 kau4 (桌球) coek3 (桌) = table/desk / [measure] table/tableful (of dishes, guests) swimming = jau4 seoi2 (游水) jau4 (游) = swim/float/wander/roam/drift/mobile/reach/section (of a river) / [variant] jau4 (遊) jau4 (遊) = travel/tour/march/play/amusement/befriend/associate with / [variant] (游) experiment = sat6 jim6 (實驗) laboratory = sat6 jim6 sat1 (實驗室) test/examine/analyse/produce an effect/verify/prove = jim6 (驗) test tube = si3 gun2 (試管) expire (d) = gwo3 (zo2) kei4 (過(咗)期) explain = gaai2 sik1 (解釋) / gong2 gaai2 (講(咗)解) sik1 (釋) = [v] release/set free/lay down/clear up/dispel/remove/explain/expound/elucidate / [n] Buddhism/monk acts like to tell me e.g. gaai2 sik1 bei2 ngo5 teng1/zi1 (解釋畀我聽/知) = explain give me listen/know expletive cover word = naa5 (那) swear word = cou1 hau2 (粗口) explore = taam3 him2 (探險) dangerous = ngai4 him2 (危險) risk = fung1 him2 (風險) F face mask = hau2 zaau3 (口罩) fail (to fail/to lose/failure/loss) = sat1 baai6 (失敗) sat1 (失) = to lose/make a mistake/let slip/neglect/miss / [n] mistake/omission sat1 heoi3 (失去) = to lose baai6 (敗) = be defeated/lose/defeat/fail/spoil/ruin/worn/torn/rotten/faded siu1 sat1 (消失) = to disappear siu1 (消) = to vanish/die out/disappear/disperse/eliminate/remove/alleviate/allay/extinguish /quench/need/take fall down = dit3 dai1 (跌低) / dit3 can1 (跌嚫) (not so serious) dai1 (低) = lower can1 (嚫) = [verb particle] every time/whenever/habitually / [verb/adjectival particle] adversely/in unpleasant or painful way fall and break = dit3 laan6 (跌爛) (broken) I dropped and broke my glasses = ngo5 dit3 laan6 ngaan5 geng6 (我跌爛眼鏡) dit3 zo2 lok6 dei6 (haa2) (跌咗落地(下)) = fell on the floor lie down = fan3 dai1 (瞓低) kik1/gik1 (撠) dou3 (到) = trip up kik1/gik1 (撠) = arouse/stimulate/stir up/irritate/provoke/madden/strong/fierce/violent/heated (of water, etc)/swash/surge/dash/brilliant/great/cool to slip/slippery/to trap/to trick/cause sb trouble = sin3 (跣) sin2 (跣) = barefooted waat6 (滑) = [adj] slippery/smooth/glossy/cunning/crafty/oily / [v] slip/slide/glide/skid (More used by Guangzhou) gwat1 (滑) = [v] confuse/throw into disarray fall/get off = lok6 (落) lok6 mong5 (落網) = to be captured/caught (fall (into the)* net) false = gaa2 (假) family = uk1 kei2 (ge3) jan4 (屋企(嘅)人) / gaa1 jan4 (家人) / hing1 dai6 zi2 mui6 (兄弟姊妹) / jat1 gaa1 daai6 sai3 (一家大細) (a family old and young) gaa1 (家) = home/family/household/specialist in a certain field/person of certain trade or characteristics/school of thought/party/side/contender/classifier for firms or other enterprises jat1 gaa1 jan4 (一家人) = of the same family/of one family/a household zi2 (姊) = [n] son/child/offspring/person/learned or virtuous man/egg/seed/young/newborn animal/a rank of the nobility equivalent to a viscount/first of the twelve Earthly Branches / [adj] young/tender/small/subsidiary/subordinate a family old and young = jat1 gaa1 daai6 saai3 (一家大細) adopt = sau1 joeng5 (收養) brother = older brother = go4 go1 (哥哥) (go4 (哥) elder brother) / daai6 lou2 (大佬) (big guy) / daai6 go1 (大哥) / hing1 (兄) younger brother = dai4 dai2 (弟弟) (dai4 (弟) younger brother) / sai3 lou2 (細佬) (small guy) / dai6 (弟) child = zai2 (仔) children = sai3 man1 zai2 (細蚊仔) / sai3 lou6 (細路) / siu2 pang4 jau5 (小朋友) / zai2 leoi5 (仔女) (formal) / haai4 zi2 (孩子) - written / ji4 tung4 (兒童) - formal term / zai2 neoi2 (5) 仔女 - sons and daughters/children sai3 sai3 (細細) = small and soft (voice)/fine/delicate haai4 (孩) = [n] baby/child/infant/children / young/small haai4 zi2 hei3 (孩子氣) = boyish/childish neoi5 haai4 zi2 (女孩子) = girl/sissy cousin = biu2 + older/younger/male/female e.g. cousin older female = biu2 ze1 (表姐) father = baa4 baa1 (爸爸) / de1 di6 (爹哋) / lou5 dau6 (老竇) / fu6 can1 (父親) (formal) / aa3 baa4 (informal) / baak3 je1 (伯爺) - father but only used to refer to other's father de1 (爹) = dad/daddy/papa/father dau6 (竇) = hole/cavity/burrow / [anatomy] sinus dau3 (竇) (Cantonese only) = den/nest/sheltering place fu6 (父) = father/male relative of a senior generation fu2 (父) = a term of respect for an elderly man/[archaic] one's courtesy name can1 (親) = [n] parent/relative/kin/marriage/match / [adj] of blood relation/biological/intimate/in favour of/pro- / [adv] personally/in person baak3 (伯) = [n] uncle/father's elder brother / [AC] first of brothers / term of address for husband/elder brother (the mother following children's address)/feudal rank of the nobility (count)/term of honor (Happy) Father's Day = fu6 can1 zit3 (父親節) (faai3 lok6) (快樂) zit3 (節) = [n] festival/holiday/seasons/section/division/length/chastity/temperance/moderation/formality/etiquette/protocol/joint/node/knot/link / [music] rhythm/beat/metre / [v] restrict/economize/regulate/abridge/extract/delete faai3 (快) (Note that "fast" has the connotation of "joy and happiness".) = rapid/quickly/fast/soon/hasty/prompt/nearly/near / [v] hurry up/make haste/quick-witted/ingenious/sharp (blades, etc.)/keen/pleasant/happy/make happy/pleasurable / used in combination / honest/straightforward lok6 (樂) = happy/glad/joyful/joyous/cheerful/elated/content/delighted/pleased/pleasant/agreeable/enjoyable/pleasing/comfortable/joy/happiness lok6 ji3 (樂意) = pleased (to do something) family clan = gaa1 zuk6 (家族) zuk6 (族) = clan/tribe/kindred/race/ethnic group/nationality/class or group of things with common features kids = sai3 lou6 (small road) / sai3 man1 zai2 (small mosquito son/child) / siu2 pang4 jau5 (small friend friend) (小朋友) mother = maa4 maa1 (媽媽) / mou5 can1 (母親) (formal) / aa3 maa1 (阿媽) (informal) mou5 (母) = [n] mother/female parent/female elders (in the clan or among relations)/origin/parent/mother / [adj] female (animals or birds) parents = ngo5 baa4 baa1 maa4 maa1 (我爸爸媽媽) / fu6 mou5 (父母) relatives = can1 cik1 (親戚) cik1 (戚) = [n] relative (by marriage) / [literary] sorrowful/woeful / axe-like ancient weapon variant of cuk1 (促) = (of time) hurried/short/urgent/close to/come near/approac/urge/facilitate/promote / [nasal-stop alternant] cung1 (匆) sister = elder sister = ze4 ze1 (姐姐) (ze4 (姐) elder sister) / gaa1 ze1 (家姐) (family/home elder sister) / zi2 (姊) younger sister = mui4 mui2 (妹妹) (mui4 (妹) younger sister) / sai3 mui2 (細妹) (small younger sister) / mui6 (妹) grandmother = grandmother (father’s mum) = maa4 maa4 (嫲嫲) great grandmother (paternal) = taai3 maa4 (太嫲) grandmother (mother’s mum) = po4 po2 (婆婆) great grandmother (maternal) = taai3 po4 (太婆) baak3 je1 po2 (伯爺婆) = an old woman grandfather = grandfather (father’s father) = je4 je2 (爺爺) great grandfather (paternal) = taai3 je4 (太爺) grandfather (mother’s father) = ngoi6 gung1 (外公) great grandfather (maternal) = taai3 gung1 (太公) baak3 je1 gung1 (伯爺公) = an old man parent or guardian of a child = gaa1 zoeng2 (家長) / fu6 mou5 (父母) mother = maa4 maa1 (媽媽) / maa1 mi4 (媽咪) / mai1 mi1 (媽咪) / lou5 maa1 zi2 (老媽子) nephew (on mother's side) = ji4 sang1/zat6 (姨甥/侄) ji4 ji41 (姨) = one's mother's sister/one's wife's sister/sister-in-law/aunt (woman of one's mother's age) sang1/saang1 (甥) = nephew/sister's son zat6 (侄) = nephew/brother's son niece (on mother's side) = ji4 zat6 neoi2 (姨侄女) uncle = maternal = kau5 fu6 (舅父) kau5 (舅) = maternal uncle/mother's brother/brother-in-law/wife's brother / [literary] husband's father father's older brother/polite way of addressing an older person = aa3 baak3 (阿伯) aa3 (阿) = [n] prefix to a name or term of address/used in transliteration / [v] curry favour with/flatter/pander to wife = taai3 taai2 (太太) / cai1 zi2 (妻子) famous = ceot1 meng2 (出名) meng2/4 (名) = [n] name/given name/fame/reputation/position / [adj] famous/celebrated/well-known / classifier used for people notorious = ceot1 saai3 meng2 (出晒名) popular = hing1 / sau6 fun1 jing4 star = ming4 sing1 (明星) pretentious = zou6 zok3 (造作) / lau4 waa4 (from Andy Lau 劉德華) fan = fung1 sin3 (風扇) cau1 hei3 sin3 = extractor fan far = jyun5 (遠) (+ ge3 (嘅) subject) forever = wing5 jyun5 (永遠) wing5 (永) = forever/perpetual/eternal/far-reaching fare = fei1 (飛) farmer = nung4 fu1 (農夫) farmland = tin4 (田) fast = faai3 (快) fat/greasy/fertile/fertilizer = fei4 (肥) a little fat = fei4 fei2 dei2 (肥肥哋) chubby = fei4 dyut1 dyut1 (肥嘟嘟) very fat = fei4 tan4 tan4 (肥揗揗) shiver/walk up and down = tan4 (揗) female = neoi5 (女) festival = zit3 jat6 (節日) Chinese New Year = zung1 gwok3 san1 nin4 (中國新年) Chinese New Year Blessings/Sayings = full of health and vitality = lung4 maa5 zing1 san4 (龍馬精神) zing1 san4 (精神) = spirit/mind refined/best/smart/essence/energy = zing1 (精) god/divinity/spirit/supernatural/weird = san4 (神) jau5 zing1 san4 (有精神) = energetic/have spirit jau5 zing1 san4 beng6 (有精神病) = has insanity stay young forever (addressed to women) = cing1 ceon1 soeng4 zyu3 (青春常駐) cing1 (青) = green/young ceon1 (春) = Spring (season) soeng4 (常) = common/ordinary/frequently zyu3 (駐) = be stationed/halt Good health = san1 tai2 gin6 hong1 (身體健康) san1 (身) = body/life/oneself tai2 (體) = shape/form/essence gin6 (健) = strong/healthy/vigorous/capable/fond of/inclined to/liable to / [v] strengthen/toughen hong1 (康) = peaceful/healthy/bountiful/broad Christmas = sing3 daan3 zit6 (聖誕節) Dragon Boat Festival = dyun1 m5/ng5 zit3 (端午節) dragon boat = lung4 zau1 (龍舟) Easter = fuk6 wut6 zit3 (復活節) National Day = gwok3 hing3 July 1st HK National Day = wui4 gwai1 jat6 (回歸日) Thanksgiving = gam2 jan1 zit3 (grateful festival) (感恩節) fever = faat3 siu1 (發燒) fireworks = jin1 faa1 (煙花) jin1 (煙) = smoke/soot/mist/vapour/cigarette/tobacco/opium / [v] be irritated by smoke / [loanword] ace (of cards) faa1 (花) = [n] flower/blossom/a flowering plant/prostitute/prostitution/used in smallpox/varicolored/fireworks / [v] spend/expend baau3 po3 (爆破) = explode out baau3 (爆) = explode/burst/blow out/occur unexpectedly/break out/quick-fry/quick-boil/disclose; expose/reveal/burgle/burglarize/full to capacity/a full house fight = daa2 gaau1 (打交) fill in form = tin4 biu2 (填表) tin4 ci4 (填詞) = write lyrics ci4 (詞) = word/term/component/a part of speech in grammar / speech/statement / a form of poetry characterized by lines of irregular length/ lyrics of songs/ballads or operas film/movie = hei3 (戲) / din6 jing2 (電影) a scene = jat1 mok6 (一幕) mok6 (幕) = tent/canopy/curtain/screen/office of a commanding general/act of a play/scene final particles = aa1 (吖/ㄚ) = emphasise aa3 (呀) = question/soften aa4 (吖/呀) = doubt aa1 maa3 (吖/ㄚ嗎) (shortened to maa1) = reminding/speaker expected listener should have known aak3 (呃) = emphasize a denial of sth which is often detailed immediately after it gaa3 (㗎) (ge3 aa3) (嘅呀) = I just want to tell you something that I am certain of but inviting debate (often used after lai4 in a question) / going to explain ge2 (嘅) = assertion + surprise ge3 (嘅) = statement/I just want to tell you something that I am certain of and not inviting debate laa1 (喇/啦) = polite request laa3 (嚹/啦) = informing of ‘new’ situation/information the speaker thinks the listener does not know laak3 (嘞) = finally, surely ‘new’ situation & emphasise e.g. mou5 laak3 (冇嘞) = no more dak1 laak3 (得嘞) = It's finally okay - connoting a sense of finality, that sth is completed after making some efforts / It'd surely be okay - connoting a sense of impatience, often used by second speaker after listening to repeated exhortation from first speaker bai6 laak3 (弊嘞) = an exclamation along the lines of "My goodness! bai6 (弊) = fraud/abuse/malpractice/disadvantage/defect/drawback/variant of bai6 (��) bai6 (�� ) = exclamation for terrible luck/damn/what bad luck/terrible le1 (呢) = what about? lo1 (囉) = Indicates a suggestion or conclusion that should be obvious (usually occurs with 咪 mai6) lo3 ( 囉/咯) = new situation (speaker thinks listener do not know) me1 (咩) = was under the impression but no longer / unknown fact surprise maa5 (嘛) = indicating that sth is obvious, sounding like 'of course' but usually with an impatient tone / 'do you?', 'are you?', 'would you?' mou5 lo3 (冇囉/咯) = new situation (speaker thinks listener do not know) tim1 (添) = [v] add/increase/replenish/give birth to (a baby)/have (a baby) / [adv] more/again / [final particle] in addition/even/too / [final particle] conveys a sense of regret wo3 (喎) = reminding as the speaker believes the listener should already be aware of the statement wo4 (喎) = not used much - speaker is asking the listener to agree with zaa3/ze3 (咋) = small quantity / speaker expects more zaa3 (咋) = merely/only (used in statement, only small amount remains) e.g. only 3 more hours remain = zing6 faan1 saam1 go3 zung1 zaa3! (剩番三個鐘咋!) remain = zing6 faan1 (剩番) zing6 (剩) = remain/be left over/residual/surplus faan1 (番) = foreign/times/back/again ze1 ( 嗻) = only (speaker thinks it is not enough) find = wan2 (搵) [v] finish/complete/bring to a conclusion/whole/run out/use up = (+ verb) jyun4 (完) / hou2 (well) jyun1 (完) = abyss jyun2 (完) = (fish)ball jyun3 (完) = to blame jyun4 (完) = finish verb + jyun4 (完) = finish verb jyun5 (完) = far jyun6 (完) = town finish work = fong3 gung1 (放工) finished work = fong3 zo2 gung1 (放咗工) to work = daa2 gung1 (打工) working class people /junior employee = daa2 gung1 zai2 (打工仔) working class girl = daa2 gung1 mui1 (usually 6) (打工妹) boss = [loanword] bo1 si2 (波士 - usuially si6) / (colloquial) (daai6 - owner) lou5 sai3 (大老細) / lou5 baan2 (owner) (老闆)/ daai6 lap1 (lou2) (大粒佬) / fan3 si6 classifier for grainlike things (like rice/sand) or things that are small and round (pearl/bullet) / grain/granule/pellet = lap1 (粒) a person with a big mole/an important official = daai6 lap1 mak2 (6) (大粒癦) mak6 (癦) = a mole (on the skin) baan2 (闆) = boss/proprietor/person in charge finish up = maai4 (埋) e.g. sik6 maai4 (食埋) = finish eating fireman = siu1 fong4 jyun4 (消防員) fong4 (防) = defend/prevent/embankment fire = fo2 (火) lighter = fo2 gei1 (火機) tyun4 fo2 = enthusiasm (團火) tyun4 (團) = round/circular/group/society/organization/regiment/ranking between division and battalion / [v] assemble/gather/rally / [n, classifier] ball/ball-shaped thing tenseness/nervous excitement = sam1 fo2 (心火) be easily enraged/easily agitated to anger = sam1 fo2 sing6 (心火盛) sing6 (盛) = [adj] flourishing/prosperous/exuberant/magnificent/grand/abundant/popular/common/widespread/deep/profound/lavish/vigorous/energetic/aggressive sing4 (盛) = [v] fill/ladle/put in a container/accommodate/have a capacity of sing6 aa3 gam3 (盛呀咁) = something like that / etc... fire accident = fo2 zuk1 (火燭) first one = zeoi3 sin1 jat1 go3 (最先一個) sau2 sin1 (首先) = first of all/in the first place first + period of time = tau4 (頭) + period of time* verb + first = verb + sin1 (先) first then/only then = sin1 zi3 (先至) floor (in a building) = lau2 (樓) flow = lau4 (流) flower = faa1 (花) bunch of flowers = jat1 zaat3/cuk1 faa1 (一?/簇花) plant pot flower = po1/fo2 (棵) (flower/plant) stalk = doe2 (derr2) / ging3/hang4 (莖) (classifier zi1 (枝)) plant = zik6 mat6 (植物) [v] plant/grow/cultivate/set up/establish/erect / [n] flora/plant/vegetation = zik6 (植) zaan6 fong3 (綻放) = to blossom zaan6 (綻) = burst open/split at the seam fly = fei1 heoi3 (飛去) / fei1 hang4 (飛行) follow/learn from = gan1 (跟) (zyu6 (住) .. (lai4 (嚟))) e.g. you follow me = lei5 gan1 ngo5 lai4 (你跟我嚟) food = je5 sik6 (嘢食) / sik6 mat6 (食物) assorted meat = zaap6 paa2 (什扒) assorted = zaap6 (gam2) (什(錦)) pieces of meat = paa2 (扒) paa2 (扒) = Cantonese only [n] steak/lamb/pork chopfried meat paa4 (扒) = [v] steal/pinch/pick sb's pocket/rake up/scrape together/scratch/stew/braise paa1 (扒) = [v] hold on to/cling to/dig up/rake/pull down/take off/strip off albalone fish crisp = baau1 jyu4 sou1 (鮑魚酥) barbecued pork = caa1 siu1 (叉燒) biscuit = beng2 gon1 (faai3 (塊) for lump/chunk/cube/block) faai3 (塊) = [n] piece/lump/chunk/cube/block / classifier for anything shaped as above / classifier for silver dollars or paper money gau6 (嚿) = [classifier] a (thick) piece of (e.g. of rock/soap/ginger/charcoal/meat etc...) broccoli = sai1 laan4 faa1 (西蘭花) beans/pea/ bean-shaped/ancient stemmed cup/bowl (for food) = dau6 dau2 (豆) beef = ngau4 (juk6) (牛(肉)) beef brisket = ngau4 laam5 (牛腩) cake = daan6 gou1 (蛋糕) filling or stuffing for pies, cakes, dumplings, etc = haam62 (餡) cheese = zi1 si2 (芝士) chicken = gai1 (雞) chicken feet (dim2 sam1) = fung6 zaau2 (鳳爪) cotton chicken = min4 faa1 gai1 (棉花雞) air bladder of fish = jyu4 gaau1 (魚膠) chocolate = zyu1 gu2 lik6 (朱古力) choy sum (Chinese flowering cabbage) = coi3 sam1 (菜心) congee = zuk1 (粥) courses/dishes = sung3 (餸) crab = haai5 (蟹) cream = gei6 lim(4)1 (忌廉) lim4 (廉) = [adj] honest and clean/upright/incorruptible/cheap/low-priced/inexpensive / [n] integrity/uprightness/honesty crisps = syu4 pin2 (薯片) syu4 = potato/yam (薯) [n] flat/thin piece/slice/sheet / [v] cut into slices/pare /[adj] fragmentary/one-sided/brief / [classifier] slice/sheet/tract = pin2/3 (片) [n] film/photograph/record/baby napkin/nappy = pin3 (片) sou1 ceoi3 (酥脆) = crispy/crunchy curry = gaa3 lei1 (咖哩) desert = tim4 ban2 (甜品) (sweet product) / tong4 seoi2 (糖水) ban2 (品) = personality/character/article/product/commodity/a rank or grade in the government service in former times / [v] appraise/rate/find out pudding = gou1 (糕) sai1 mai5 lou6 (西米露) = dessert of sago and coconuts milk dim sum = dim2 sam1 (點心) basket/cage/coop/cage-like container/bamboo steamer (for buns, dumplings, etc)/envelope/cover/veil/enshroud = lung4 (籠) lung5 (籠) = large box/trunk/chest caa1 siu1 baau1 (叉燒包) = chicken feet = fung6 zaau2 (鳳爪) coeng2 fan2 / gyun2 fan2 (腸粉 / 捲粉) = ricesheet roll/rice noodle roll/Cheung Fun noodles haa1 gaau2 (蝦餃) = [n] shrimp/prawn / Cantonese only [v] bully/pick on sb = haa1/haa41 (蝦) haa41 = used only in compound form 蝦蟆 as a variant of haa1 mou1/haa4 maa4 (蛤蟆) & collective term for frogs and toads siu1 maai2/6 (燒賣) = zung2 (粽) = sticky rice dumpling for Dragon boat festival the techniques to make them = sau2 mun4 ferment = faat3 gaau3 / haau1 (發酵) gaau3/haau1 (酵) = ferment/leaven/yeast eggs = daan2 (蛋) (when alone/end of a phrase gai1 daan2, at beginning daan6 e.g egg tart daan6 taat1) egg yolk = daan2 wong2 (蛋黃) (yellow i.e. wong4 (黃) but now with tone change) French toast = (faat3 laan4) sai1 do1 si6 ((法蘭)西多士) fruit = saang1 gwo2 (生果) gwo2 (果) = fruit of a plant / [n] effect (in cause and effect)/result/fruit/consequence/surely/really/truly/exactly / [v] stuff/fill / succeed apricot / almond / kernels = hang6 (杏) apple = ping4 gwo2 (蘋果) haa1 mat6 gwaa1 (哈密瓜) = Hami melon (a variety of muskmelon) haa1 (哈) = [onomatopoeia] sound of hearty laughter / [v] breathe out (with the mouth open)/bend/stoop / [n] used in transliteration mat6 (密) = dense/thick/tight/close/intimate gwaa1 (瓜) = gourd/melon/cucumber / [slang] die honey melon = mat6 gwaa1 (蜜瓜) joeng4 tou2 (楊桃) = mango = mong1 gwo2 (芒果) muk6 gwaa1 (木瓜) = orange = caang2 (橙) plum/prune = mui4 (梅) pomelo luk1 jau2 (碌柚) = mature/ripe = sing4 suk6 (成熟) zap1 (汁) = juice/natural fluid/sap/gravy lam4 (淋) = drench/pour/soak/sprinkle/spatter/spray / filter/strain garlic = syun3 (蒜) ginger and spring onions = goeng1 cung1 (薑蔥) honey = mat6 tong4 (蜜糖) mat6 (蜜) = [n] honey/nectar (of flower) / [adj] sweet/honeyed/syrupy hotpot = daa2 bin1 lou4 (打邊爐) ice-cream = syut3 gou1 (雪糕) jujube = hung4 zou2 (紅棗) late snacks = siu1 je2 (宵夜) lemon = ling4 mung1 (檸檬) lo4 hon3 zaai1 (羅漢) = a special vegetarian dish (buddhist style food) lo6 mai5 gai1 (糯米雞) = lo6 (糯) = glutinous (rice) mayonaise = daan6 wong2 zoeng3 (蛋黃醬) zoeng (醬) = soyabean sauce/soya/food in the form of a paste/jam/any jam-like or paste-like food mint = bok6 ho4 (薄荷) mushroom = mo4 gu1 (蘑菇) mo4 (蘑) = mushroom gu1 (菇) = [n] mushrooms/fungus noodles = min6 (麵) onion = joeng4 cung1 (洋蔥) ocean/foreign/Western/vast = joeng4 (洋) green onion = cung1 (蔥) peanuts = faa1 sang1 (花生) pear = lei4/2 (梨) pepper = (hak1) ziu1 ((黑)椒) pudding = bou3 din1 (布甸) salt = jim4 (鹽) sik6 jim4 (食鹽) = salt/common salt/table salt salty/salted/pickled/pornographic/lecherous/dirty/grubby = haam4 (鹹) filling = haam6/2 (餡) shiitake = dung1 gu1 (冬菇) spaghetti = fan2 (粉) salad = saa1 leot6 (沙律) sandwich = saam1 man4 zi6 (三文治) sausage = hoeng1 coeng2 (香腸) seafood = hoi2 sin1 (海鮮) sin1 (鮮) = [adj] fresh/new/not withered/delicious/tasty/bright/bright-coloured / [n] fresh/delicious food, fruit etc sin2 (鮮) = [adv] rarely/seldom/infrequently sesame = zi1 maa4 (芝麻) small pork dumpling (with soup inside), Shanghai dumpling = siu2 lung4 baau1 (小籠包) snack = siu2 sik6 (小食) Cantonese snack = jyut6 dim2 (粵) soup = (di1 (啲) if we don't know the container) tong1 (湯) lo4 sung3 tong1 (羅宋湯) = borscht (lit. "Russian soup") sung3 (宋) = Song dynasty (AD 960-1279) spring roll = ceon1 gyun2 (春卷) sticky rice balls in soup = tong1 jyun2 (湯丸) strawberry = si6 do1 be1 lei2 (士多啤梨) sugar = tong4 (糖) sweets = tong2 (糖) (lap1) rice = faan6 (飯) tin (food) = gun3 tau2 (罐頭) tofu = dau6 fu6 (豆腐) maa4 po4 dau6 fu6 (麻婆豆腐) = sichuan chilli tofu (mapo tofu) tomato = faan1 ke2 (番茄) turnip = lo4 baak3 (蘿蔔) unedible food waste (recycling) = cyu4 jyu4 (廚餘) jyu4 (餘) = [adj] remaining/residual/lingering/more than/odd/over / [n] remainder/surplus/balance/spare time after an event leftover food - edible = zing6 sung3 (剩餸) vegetable = coi3 (菜) vinegar / jealousy (as in love affairs) = cou3 (醋) haap3 cou3 (呷醋) = [Cantonese Only] jealous (Lit. sip vinegar) haap3 (醋) = sip/suck/swallow/drink dou3 gei6 (妒忌) = jealous (The more formal term) dou3 (妒) = [adj] jealous/envious [n] jealousy/envy gei6 (忌) = envy/be jealous of/fear/dread/scruple/avoid/shun/abstain from/death anniversary Wonton noodles = wan4 tan1 min6 (雲吞麵) because/for the purpose of (action) = wai6 zo2 (為咗) e.g. I do it for you = ngo5 wai6 zo2* lei5 zou6 (我為咗你做) for (A is good to/for B) = A deoi3 (對) B hou2 (好) for me = deoi3 ngo5 lai4 gong2 (對我嚟講) speaking from (sb,sth)'s perspective = lai4 (嚟) / lei4 gong2 (嚟講) [v] come/arrive / [final particle] have just been / [prep] to/for/since/in order to = lai4 / lei4 (嚟) for them = deoi3 keoi5 dei6 lai4 gong2 (對佢哋嚟講) (is) for (... e.g. him) = hai6 bei2 (係畀) force = bik1 (逼) / bik1 bik1 (逼逼) force a situation (bend the rules/push the boundary) = min5 koeng5 (勉強) min5 (勉) = [v] urge/encourage/strive/make efforts/exert oneself to forgive = jyun4 loeng6 (原諒) loeng (諒) = forgive/understand/make allowance for/suppose/presume/expect/think fountain = pan3 cyun4 (噴泉) pan3 (噴) = [v] spray/spurt/puff out/sneeze/snort / [adj] (of smells) strong/fragrant pan1 = [classifier] crop (of cotton, etc) cyun4 (泉) = spring (water)/fountain/nether regions/world of the dead/(archaic) coin fraction (a / b) = b fan3 zi1 (分之) a fragrance = hoeng1 (香) freedom/free (but not free as in no money)/unrestrained/liberty = zi6 jau4 (自由) jau4 (由) = [n] cause/reason/source/derivation / from/up to/by/through frequently (very often/regularly/constantly/always) = si4 si4 (時時) / ging1 soeng4 (經常) (more written form) not frequently (very often/regularly/constantly) = m4 hai6 si4 si4 (唔係時時) / hou2 siu2 (好少) all day = seng4 jat6 (成日) always = jat1 zik6 (一直) / ci4 zuk6 (持續/持續) (formal) / cung4 loi4 (從來) every day = jat6 jat6 (日日) rarely = hou2 siu2 (好少) subj + time period + verb + times + object e.g. she cuts her hair 5 times a year = keoi5 jat1 nin4 zin2 m5 ci3 tau4 faat3 (佢一年剪五次頭髮) m4 siu2 ( 唔少) = quite a lot/quite a few/quite a bit/heaps/not just a few/not just a little pan4 faan4 (頻繁) = frequent/recurrent/incessant/constant/repeated pan4 (頻) = [adv] frequently/incessantly/repeatedly / [n] [electronics] frequency fresh (body) = cing1 song2 (清爽) fresh (food) = san1 sin1 (新鮮) god/spirit = san4 sin1 (神仙) sai6 san4 pek3 jyun6 (誓神劈願) = swear to do something sai6 (誓) = [v] swear/pledge/take an oath / [n] oath/vow/pledge pek3/pik1 (劈) = [v] chop/cleave/hack/hew/(of lightning) strike/split up/break off/sever/split one's fingers/legs widely apart / [prep] right against (one's face, chest, etc) / [n] [physics] wedge friend = pang4 jau5 (朋友) social circle = se5 gaau1 hyun1 zi2 (社交圈子) social = se5 gaau1 (社交) se5 (社) = the god of the soil/god of land / [n] society/community/association/organisation/corporation/agency circular loop = hyun1 zi2 (圈子) se5 kwan4 (社群) = [n] community/social grouping kwan4 (群) = [n] crowd/group/multitude/mass / [adj] multitudinous/numerous / [classifier] group/flock/herd/swarm enemy = dik6 jan4 (敵人) dik6 (敵) = enemy/foe/opponent/rival/hostile/antagonistic/opposing/resist/oppose/stand up to / [v] match/rival/equal a stranger = mak6 sang1 jan4 (陌生人) mak6/maak6 (陌) = footpath between fields/road/street/strange/unfamiliar/foreign mak6 sang1 (陌生) = strange/unfamiliar mak6 sang1 hung2 geoi6 (陌生恐懼) = fear of the unknown/xenophobia friendly = jau5 sin6 (友善) from ... to ... = from ... to ... (places/time) = jau4 .... dou3 .... (由...到...) from ... to ... (time/direction but not typically places) = jau4 ... zi3 ... (由...至...) (stir) fry = caau2 (炒) fry in oil = zin1 caau2 (煎炒) full (eat) = sik6 baau2 (食飽) baau2 (飽) = [adj] full/having eaten one's fill/plump / [v] satisfy/enjoy/have a feast for / [adv] fully/to the full/completely full (filled up container) = (cung1 (充)) mun5 (滿) mun5 (滿) = [adj] full of/filled with/packed with / [adj] entire/whole/complete / [adv] entirely/completely/perfectly / [v] feel satisfied/be content/gratify/expire/reach a certain time limit hung1 (空) = [adj] empty/hollow/void/impractical/lacking substance/vacant/unoccupied/blank / [n] sky/space/air/free/leisure/spare time / [adv] for nothing/in vain/fruitless / [v] vacate/leave empty or blank funny = hou2 siu3 (好笑) gong2 siu3 (講笑) = to joke/not serious gong2 siu2 (講少) = “you must be joking” comedy = hei2 kek6 (喜劇) m4 zi1 hou2 lau1 ding6 hou2 siu3 (唔知好嬲定好笑) = find sth both funny and annoying/not know whether to laugh or get infuriated/be in an awkward situation siu3 waa6 (笑話) = joke laang5 siu3 waa2 (冷笑話) = a "cold" joke=a joke that is funny in an unfunny way G game = jau4 hei3 (遊戲) chess = zuk1 kei42 (捉棋) (chess or Go) / zung1 gwok3 zoeng6 kei42 (中國象棋) Chinese chess zoeng6 (象) = the elephant/ivory / [n] portrait/figure/image/snapshot/phenomenon/the outward appearance or expression of anything (especially weather/heavenly bodies, etc.)/shape/image kei42 (棋) = chess or any board game/chesspiece/chessman marbles = bo1 zi2 (波子) gentle = wan1 wo4 (溫和) gentle/harmony/peace/draw/and/sum = wo4 (和) get on/in vehicle = soeng5 ce1 (上車) soeng5 (上) = go up get up/stand up = hei2 san1 (起身) ghost = gwai2 (鬼) gwai2 (鬼) = ghost/spirit/apparition/devil (a term of contempt or endearment)/dishonest/improper/illicit/sinister plot/dirty trick / [adj] terrible/horrible/damnable / [adv] incredibly/extremely/the hell (used as infix) give = bei2 (畀) A gives object to B = A bei2 (畀) object B bei2 (畀) = [v] give to/confer/bestow/let/allow [prep] to/byhave been you not yet give money to him = lei5 mei6 bei2 cin2 keoi5 (你未畀錢佢) let/for/to = submit work to me = gaau1 gung1 fo3 bei2 ngo5 (交功課畀我) too little space for students to use = taai3 siu2 wai2 bei2 hok6 saang1 jung6 (太少位畀學生用) taai3 (太) = [adj] highest/greatest/remotest/great-grand/senior (in generational hierarchy) / [adv] excessively/too/over taai3 gwo3 fan6 (太過份) = beyond the boundaries of what is acceptable/too much/over the top/excessive/unacceptable/have crossed over the line / Usually in reference to someone's behaviour, speech or action / Stronger expression than just gwo3 fan6 (過份) \| The more standard form is taai3 gwo3 fan6 (太過分) let you get off = bei2 lei5 lok6 (畀你落) I phone you = ngo5 daa2 din6 waa2 bei2 lei5 (我打電話畀你) action recipient + bei2 (畀) + doer + action = ngo5 bei2 John daa2 (我畀John打) = John hit me (no inference of I let him) ngo5 bei2 John daa2 ngo5 (我John畀打我) = John hit me (inference of I let him) to allow/to permit = jung4 heoi2 (容許) heoi2 (許) = [v] allow/permit/approve/promise/pledge/be betrothed (to)/praise/commend/compliment / [adv] maybe/perhaps/probably/about/approximately/a little more than/so/very/such to pass sth. (to sb.) = dai6 (遞) joeng6 (讓) = to give something up e.g. seat give up = fong3 hei3 (放棄) willing to give up (something) = se2 dak1 (捨得) unwilling to give up (something) = m4 se2 dak1 (唔捨得) abandon/give up/forgo/dispense charity = se2 (捨) get/fit/finished/ready/be satisfied/complacent/permit/allow/used to express possibility or capability/to indicate the result or degree/must; need/have to = dak1 (得) surrender/concede/submit to/capitulate [n] surrender = tau4 hong4 (投降) / geoi2 baak6 kei4 (求其) hong4 (降) = surrender/capitulate/concede/subdue/tame/vanquish gong3 (降) = fall/drop/descend/lower/reduce/decline gong3 dai1 (降低) = to reduce/to lower/to bring down kei4 (旗) = flag/banner/pennant/standard/ensign glass = bo1 lei1 (玻璃) lei1 (璃) = glass lei4 (璃) = glaze glasses (eye) = ngaan5 geng2 (眼鏡) go = heoi3 (去) heoi3 (去) = [v] go to/away/leave (for)/depart from/be apart from in space or time / [adj] past/previous/last / [phonetics] departing tone / verb particle indicating direction heoi2 (去) = get rid of/remove/do away with goal = muk6 dik1 (目的) target/objective = muk6 biu1 (目標) muk6 (目) = [n] eye/table of contents/category / [v] look/regard/see biu1 (標) = [n] symptom/outward sign/mark/marker/sign/label/prize/award/trophy /championship/standard/quota/target/tender/bid / [v] mark/label/indicate/symbolize [n] ideal/aspiration/dream / [adj] ideal/perfect/satisfactory = lei5 soeng2 (理想) zit3 muk6 (節目) = entertainment/program/show (on television) go away = zau2 hoi1 (走開) go back = faan1 heoi3 (返去) go out (go outside) = ceot1 gaai1 (出街 go out street) go out/come out/show up/be present/exceed/go beyond/put/set up/offer/produce/yield/acquire/obtain = ceot1 (出) ceot1 jin6 (出現) = to appear/to emerge/to arise go out (leave) = ceot1 heoi3 (出去) leave home = ceot1 mun4 hau2 (出門口) out = ceot1 (出) go to work = faan1 gung1 (返工) faan1 gan2 gung1 (返緊工) = working / at work to go on strike (because of a labour dispute) = baa6 gung1 (罷工) baa6 (罷) = [v] cease/stop/finish/dismiss/remove from office gold = gam1 (金) good/very = hou2 (好) outstanding/extraordinary = sai1 lei6 (犀利) not to be confused with sai3 lei6 (勢利) = snobbish goods = fo3 (貨) fo3 (貨) = [n] goods/commodities/products/freight/cargo/money/currency/property / [v] bribe/bribery/sell/used as a term of reviling with an abusive suffix good looking = leng3 (靚) got = zung3 government = zing3 fu2 (政府) zing3 (政) = politics/political affairs/power/administrative affairs of a government department/affairs of a family or an organization zing3 zi6 (政治) = politics coi4 zing3 (財政) = public finances/financial coi4 (財) = wealth/valuables/riches/money coi4 zing3 si1 (財政司) = minister of finance fu2 (府) = seat of government/government agency/mansion/residence/abode/domicile to flatten/to overthrow (governments, leaders, etc.) = daa2 dou2 (打倒) leader = ling5 zau6 (領袖) chief ex. of Hong Kong = hoeng1 gong2 dak6 sau2 (香港特首) dak6 (特) = leader lam4 zeng6 jyut6 ngo4 = Carrie Lam president = zung2 tung2 (總統) policy = zing3 caak3 (政策) caak3 (策) = urge/impel/spur on/whip a horse to urge it on / [v,n] plan/scheme/strategy [n] bamboo slips used as chips or for writing on/ [literary] crutches man4 zyu2 (民主) = democracy man4 (民) = the people/the public/the populace/civilian/non-government/non-military/person of a certain type or occupation zyu2 (主) = [n] master/chief/leader/owner/host/main aim/goal/Jesus Christ/God/Lord / [v] officiate at/preside over/take charge of/direct/head/control/determine / main/chief/primary/principal zik6 man4 zyu2 ji6 (殖民主義) = colonialism se5 wui62 zyu2 ji6 (社會主義 ) = socialism zi1 bun2 zyu2 ji6 (資本主義) = capitalism gung6 caan2 zyu2 ji6 (共產主義) = communism man4 zuk6 zyu2 ji6 (民族主義) = nationalism maa5 hak1 si1 zyu2 ji6 (馬克思主義) = Marxism bou2 sau2 zyu2 ji6 (保守主義) = conservatism right wing = jau6 jik6 (右翼) jik6 (翼) = [n] wing (of birds, buildings, etc)/flank / [v] assist/aid/help/cover/shield/conceal grams = hak1 (克) grass = cou2 (草) group = siu2 zou2 (小組) grow = zoeng2 (長) (daai6 (大)) coeng4 (長) = [adj] (of distance and time) long / [n] length/distance/forte/strong point / [v] excel in/be good at zoeng2 (長) = [v] grow/develop/increase / [adj] older/elder/senior / [n] chief/head/leader shrink/contract/reduce/shorten/recoil/withdraw/draw back/retire/economize/curtail/cut down (expense) = suk1 (縮) zoeng3 (脹) = [v] expand/inflate/swell / [adj] bloated/swollen/distended fong3 hei3 (放氣) = deflate gun = zi1 coeng1 (支槍) (measure word zi1 (支) must be used to differentiate from 'window' go3/zek3 ceong1 (個/隻窗)) bullet = (faat3 measure word) zi2 daan2 ((發)子彈) H half = bun3 (半) hallucination/to attempt in vain/a vain attempt = mong5 soeng2 (妄想) mong5 (妄) = absurd/preposterous/unpractical/reckless/presumptuous/rash hang (clothes to dry) = long6 saam1 (晾衫) hang (clothes for storage) = gwaa3 saam1 (掛衫) hanging/extending out = san1 ceot1 lai4 (伸出來) happy = hoi1 sam1 (開心) / hang6 fuk1 (blissful) (幸福) / mun5 zuk1 (滿足 contented, satisfied) / mun5 ji3 (滿意) / gou1 hing3 (高興) hoi1 (開) = open/turn on/switch on/ drive/operate/depart/leave/start/set up/run/hold (meeting, exhibition, etc)/write out/make a list of/aside/apart/away/verb particle marking habitual aspect sam1 (心) = heart/mind/conscience/moral nature/intention/idea/ambition/design/core/middle/center/inside/one of the 28 constellations sam1 cing4 (心情) = mood/frame/state of mind/feelings cing4 (情) = feeling/sentiment/emotion/fact/detail/situation/condition/love/affection/passion/nature/reason sam1 gei1 (心機) = mood/frame of mind/feeling / [synonym] sam1 cing4 (心情) / energy/effort/patience / [synonym] sam1 hyut3 (心血) / scheming/thinking / [synonym] sam1 si1 (心思) mou5 sam1 gei1 (冇心機) = not in the mood bei2 sam1 gei1 (畀心機) = to devote one's effort to... baak6 fai3 sam1 gei1 (白費心機) / saai1 sam1 gei1 ngaai4 ngaan5 fan3 (嘥心機,挨眼瞓 ) = racks one's brain for nothing/painstaking care gone to waste/all for naught hou2 sam1 gei1 (好心機) = indefatigable/having patience/careful/attentive/wholly absorbed lok6 zuk1 sam1 gei1 (落足心機) = put your heart and soul guk1 hei3 (唂氣) = to be in a bad mood/moody guk1 (唂) = pent-up/moody/contain one's anger/used for transliteration, mainly for 'cocoa' tung4 cing4 (同情) = to sympathise/sympathy/to relent/compassion caam2 (慘) = miserable/wretched/pitiful/tragic/cruel/savage/merciless/brutal/disastrous/severe/crushing/dim/gloomy/dull hang6 (幸) = lucky/fortunate/happy/good fortune/well-being/happiness/rejoice/feel happy about/delight/hopefully/kindly/expectantly wing4 hang6 (榮幸) = honoured wing4 (榮) = thriving/flourishing/luxuriant/honourable/glorious/creditable luckily/fortunately/lucky/good fortune = hou2 coi2 (好彩) / hang6 wan6 (幸運) hou2 (好) = [adj] good/fine/nice/good to (do)/pleasing (to one's senses)/friendly/kind/amicable/healthy/in good shape/condition/ready/done/finished / [adv] very/quite/fairly / [interjection] well/all right/okay coi2 (彩) = colour/variety/lottery prize/applause unfortunately = m4 hou2 coi2 (好唔好) / bat1 hang6 (不幸) ((adj) unfortunate/unlucky/sad / (adv) unfortunately / (n) misfortune adversity) unlucky/haunted = bat1 coeng4 (不祥) coeng4 (祥) = auspicious/propitious/lucky gat1 (吉) = lucky/auspicious/propitious/fortunate/vacant/unoccupied/empty good fortune/happiness/blessing/bliss/good luck = fuk1 (福) full of/filled with/packed with/entire/whole/complete/entirely/completely/perfectly/feel satisfied/be content/gratify/expire/reach a certain time limit = mun5 (滿) highs & lows (swings & roundabouts) = gou1 ciu4 dai1 ciu4 (高潮低潮) hung1 (凶) = evil/bad/famine/unlucky/unfortunate/fear/fearsome/very/excessive/excess hurt (feelings)/grieved/sad = soeng1 sam1 (傷心) dap1 (耷) = [v] droop/hang down/lower one's head () dap1/dep1 (嗒) = variant of dap1 (耷) - Cantonese only - [v] try and assess a taste/lick/take advantage of sexually/rape / [onomatopoeia] smack/sound made while trying a taste daam6 (啖) = nasal-stop alternant of dap1/dep1 (嗒) - [v] dine/eat/feed/lure with huge profits / [classifier] mouthful (drinks, rice, etc) taap3 (耷) = [adj] dejected/depressed/despondent daat6 (耷) = [onomatopoeia] clattering (of hoofs)/plattering (of raindrops) daat6 (噠) = variant of daat6 (耷) - sound made to get a horse to move forward/also used for its onomatopoeic value in mang4 mang4 daat6 (萌萌噠) - (internet slang) used to describe someone or something that is adorable, cute, etc. daap1 lok6 jau5 mei6 (嗒落有味) = the significance becomes clear after thinking about it taap3 song3 (嗒喪) = depressed/in low spirits song3 (喪) = [v] lose/be deprived of/die/be disappointed/be disheartened / Cantonese only [adj] [slang] crazy/insane/stupid song1 (喪) = [n] funeral/mourning/things related to death daap1 daap1 seng1 (嗒嗒聲) = the sound of munching and chewing tau4 dap1 dap1 (頭耷耷) = head drooping/depressed fei4 tau4 dap1 ji5 (肥頭耷耳) = stupid like a pig (lit., "fat head, droopy ears") dap1 dai1 tau4 (耷低頭) = to look downwards dap1 sap1 (耷濕) = shabby/simple and crude ap1 dap1 (噏/罨耷) = shabby ngap1/ap1 (噏) = to babble/prattle/gossip ngap1/ap1 (罨) = cover up tightly with something/apply something on dap1 tau4 dap1 nou5 (耷頭耷腦) = despondent/in the dumps/droopy/depressed toi4 hei2 tau4 (抬起頭) = lift up head hard (physically when feel) = ngaang6 (硬) soft (not hard)/flexible/pliable/tender/plastic/supple/weak/feeble/effeminate/cowardly/gentle/mild/poor in quality, ability, etc. / easily moved or influenced = jyun5 (軟) hat/cap/headgear/cap-like cover for sth = mou2/6 (帽) (deng2 (顶)) hate = zang1 (憎) have = jau5 (有) not have = mou5 (冇) uniquely have = duk6 jau5 (獨有) duk6 (獨) = [adj] single/only/sole/lone/solitary / [adv] alone/in solitude/on one's own/uniquely/exclusively/creatively / [n] the childless/old people without offspring he/him/his/she/her/hers/it = keoi5 (佢) head = tau4 (頭) headache = tau4 tung3 (頭痛) healthy = ging6 hong1 (健康) psychological = sam1 lei5 (心理) heard that/somebody told me/rumour has it that = teng1 gong2 (聽講) heart = sam1 (心) heart beat = sam1 tiu3 (心跳) tiu3 (跳) = [v] jump/leap/spring/bounce/throb/pulsate/beat/skip over (over)/jump/make omissions tiu3 mou5 (跳舞) = dance mou5 (舞) = dance/dancing/brandish/wield/wave/play with/engage in sau2 mou5 zuk1 dou6 (手舞足蹈) = dance for joy/gesticulate with the hands and feet heaven = tin1 (天) angel = tin1 si3 (天使) si3 (使) = diplomatic envoy/messenger/be sent abroad for official missions astronomy = tin1 man4 (天文) (hok6 (學)) tin1 man4 toi4 (天文台) = observatory/slang for a lookout or a scout for an illegal operation heavy = cung5 (重) cung5 (重) = [adj] heavy/weighty/strong/deep/serious/thick/considerable in amount/value zung6 (重) = [v] attach importance to/lay stress on / [adj] important/significant/strategic/solemn/composed/discreet / Cantonese only [adv] furthermore/even/still/also cung4 (重) = [v] repeat/duplicate/overlap [n] layer/double/multiple / [adv] again/anew/afresh/once more light (not heavy) = heng1 (輕) lung4 zung6 (隆重) = ceremonious/red-carpet lung4 (隆) = grand/magnificent/lofty/prosperous/thriving/booming/swelling/bulging/ample/intense/deep/profound help/assist / [n] gang/group/class/fleet / the sides of a shoe or gutter = bong1 (幫) help someone = bong1 sau2 (幫手) help you = bong1 lei5 sau2 (幫你手) favour = bong1 mong4 (幫忙) bong1 keoi5 (幫佢) + verb = do verb to him support (normally used as a term to support, encourage and back-up a friend in their endeavours) = zi1 ci4 (支持) tok3 (托) = support (tangible) - hold (up) in the palm/support from under with the palm / rely on/owe to/entrust/ask sb to be in charge/give a pretext/plead/tray/pad/support mutual/mutually/each other = wu6 soeng1 (互相) wu6 (互) = mutually/each other/one another e.g. we help each other = ngo5 dei6 wu6 soeng1 bong1 mong4 (我哋互相幫忙) soeng1 (相) = mutually/reciprocally/with each other / [prep] toward soeng3 (相) = appearance/looks/posture/appraise/assess/examine/prime minister/premier soeng32 (相) = photo/picture/image deoi3 fong1 (對方) = counterpart/the other side/the other party/the opposite side/each other to divide/to separate = fan1 hoi1 (分開) [v] divide/separate/part/distribute/assign/allot/distinguish/differentiate/tell apart / [adj] divisional/branch /[n] point/mark/score/unit of length (centimeter)/area/weight/money (one cent)/interest rate/time (one minute), etc = fan1 (分) fan6 (分) = [n] unit to express fractions and percentages / [n] extent of one's duty or rights (份) / component/content/element (份) fan1 hoi1 soeng5 (分開上) = serve (food) separately here = 1i1 dou6 (呢度) high = gou1 (高) hiking = haang4 saan1 (行山) ting4 (亭) = pavilion/booth/kiosk/stall/stand/well-balanced/even loeng4 ting2 (涼亭) = gazebo/summerhouse/bower/kiosk/wayside pavilion history = lik6 si2 (歷史) lik6 (歷) = [v] undergo/go through / [v,n] experience / [adj] successive/all previous/preceding / [adv] one by one/one after another si2 (史) = history/chronicle historical buildings = lik6 si2 gin3 zuk1 (歷史建築) gin3 (建) = build/construct/erect/establish/found/set up/propose/advocate/suggest zuk1 (築) = build/construct/erect museum = bok3 mat6 gun2 (博物館) bok3 (博) = abundant/plentiful/ample/extensive/wide/vast/knowledgeable/well-informed/erudite/win/gain (a favour)/barter for/play (chess)/gamble gun2 (館) = public building for accommodation/guesthouse/hostel/inn, etc/public building for cultural activities/indoor stadium/museum, libaries, etc/public building for certain servies/teahouse/photoshop/publishing house/theatre/etc/private mansion/official residence/embassy/consulate/legation / [archaic] private school hit = daa2 (打) be cruel to be kind = hit (he who/those who/a particle combining with some words to form adverbials) love (particle which implies affirmation or a pause)/also/besides/either/too/used in sentence beginning, like English might use "as well"/still/even) daa2 ze2 oi3 jaa5 hold / lead along / pull / drag / implicate = hin1 / laai1 (牽/拉) hin1 (牽) = pull/drag/lead along/implicate/involve/entangle/hold up/restrict/pin down laai1 (拉) = pull/drag/draw/tug/transport by vehicle/haul/lead/direct (a team)/play (violin, accordion, etc) /lengthen/draw out/drawl/solicit/canvass/win over/seize/arrest/capture hold/organise (an event) /carry on/engaged in/practise/set up/start/incite/stir up/scheme/seek/secure/obtain/make (sb) suffer/fix = gaau2 (搞) organise things = zing2 lei5 (整理) zing2 (整) = orderly/neat/tidy/systematically/sharp/whole/complete/entire/intact/ [verb] tidy/set in order/adjust/arrange/repair/make ready zing2 zing2 haa5 (整整吓) = gradually reason/logic/truth/ [noun] natural science/physics/texture/grain (in wood, skin, etc)/ [verb] manage/run/administer/pay attention to/heed/take notice of/put in order/tidy up/get into shape = lei5 (理) jau5 dou6 lei5 (有道理) = makes sense (very) organised = jau5 tiu4 lei5 (有條理) to organise/organization/organisation = zou2 zik1 (組織) zou2 (組) = [v] organize/form/assemble / [n] group/team/crew/panel / [classifier] group/set/series zik1 (織) = weave/knit to arrange (schedule, chronography, drama play, etc) = pin1 paai4 (編排) pin1 (編) = [v] organise/arrange/group/edit/compile/compose/fabricate/cook/make up/weave/braid/knit / [n] book/volume/copy accomplish sth. / successfully complete a task = gaau2 dim6 (攪掂) smooth/successful/favourable/vertical/straight = dim6 (掂) you fix it! = lei5 gaau2 dim6 keoi5 (你攪掂佢) gaau2 m4 dim6 (搞唔掂) / haang4 m4 tung1 (行唔通) = doesn't work neat/uniform/well presented = cai4 zing2 (齊整) chaotic/messy = lyun6 (亂) holiday = gaa3 kei4 (假期) (holiday period (of time)) go on holiday = fong3 gaa3 (放假) (release holiday) gaa3 (假) = [n] holiday/vacation/leave of absence gaa2 (假) = [adj] false/fake/sham/phony / [v] suppose/assume/presume/borrow/avail oneself of / [conj] if/in case did not/does not take holiday = mou5 fong3 gaa3 (冇放假) no holiday to take = mou5 gaa3 fong3 (冇假放) public holiday = gung1 zung3 gaa3 kei4 (公衆假期) zung3 (衆/眾) = many/numerous/innumerable/crowd/multitude/mass summer holiday = syu2 gaa3 (暑假) syu2 (暑) = hot [n] heat of summer/mid-summer/summer nin4 gaa3 (年假) = annual leave consecutive = lin4 zuk6 (連續) [v] continue/extend/succeed/add/supply more/replenish / [n] formality = zuk6 (續) home = uk1 kei2 (屋企) house = uk1 (屋) (gaan1 (間) / gaa1 (家)) e.g. bin1 go3 gwok3 gaa1 aa3? (邊個國家呀?) = Which country home? balcony = lou6 toi4 (露台) lou6 (露) = [n] dew/beverage or cosmetics made by distilling flowers/fruit or leaves / [v] show/reveal/expose/be in the open toi4 (台) = terrace/tower/lookout/platform/stage/rostrum/stand/support/base/station/channel/network/you/your (a title of respect)/short for Taiwan / [classifier] whole set (of certain machinery) boil (verb)/kettle = bou1 (㷛) candle = laap6 zuk1 (蠟燭) laap6 (蠟) = wax/candle zuk1 (燭) = [n] candle/taper/watt / [v] illuminate/light up carpet = dei6 zin1 (地氈) drainage = haang1 keoi4 (坑渠) haang1 (坑) = pit/hole/hollow/bury alive/entrap/cheat/hoodwink keoi4 (渠) = [n] ditch/drain/channel/gutter / [adj] [literary] big/chief furniture = gaa1 si1 (home personal/private) (家私) / gaa1 geoi6 (傢/家具) / gaa1 keoi1 (傢俱) bed = cong4 (床) double bed = soeng1 jan4 cong4 (雙人床) single bed = daan1 jan4 cong4 (單人床) chair = dang3 (凳/櫈) (measure word zoeng1 (張) - this is the measure word of anything with which the surface is mainly used) back rest = ji2 bui3 (倚背) ji2 (倚) = lean on/against/rest on/against/rely on/ count on/depend on/biased/partial/slanting fu4 sau2 (扶手) = handrail/bannisters/handhold/armrest fu4 (扶) = [v] help sb up/support (with the hand)/straighten up/lean upon sth for support/help/aid chester drawers = gwai6 tung2 (櫃桶) (go3 (個)) gwai (櫃) = [n] cupboard/wardrobe/cabinet/shop counter tung2 (桶) = pail/bucket/barrel/tub/keg/drum/tank/cask hanging/extending out = san1 ceot1 lai4 (伸出嚟) mattress = cong4 juk2 (床褥) juk6/2 (褥) = cotton-padded mattress painting/picture = (tou4 (圖)) waa2 (畫) (measure word fuk1 (幅) / zoeng1 (張) - this is the measure word of anything with which the surface is mainly used / zing3 (幀)) pillow = zam2 tau4 (枕頭) shelf/rack/frame/stand = gaa2 (架) gaa3 (架) = [v] erect/put/set up/support / [n] fight/quarrel / [classifier] unit of vehicles, plane, piano, etc sofa = so1 faa2 (沙發) table = toi2 (枱) (measure word zoeng1 (張) - this is the measure word of anything with which the surface is mainly used) garage = ce1 fong4 (車房) hang (clothes to dry) = long6 saam1 (晾衫) hang (clothes for storage) = gwaa3 saam1 (掛衫) home tools = gaa1 geoi6 (home tools) (傢具) geoi6 (具) = tool/utensil; implement/provide/furnish/fix/capability/ability/talent/classifier for coffins/dead bodies/certain instruments/etc/possess/have/be eligible/write out/sign/state tool = gung1 geoi6 (工具) drill = zyun3 hung2 gei1 (鑽孔機) zyun3 (鑽) = drill/bore/perforate/pierce/dig through/get into/go through/make one's way into/study intensively/dig into/bury onself in/secure personal gain/worm one's way into sth / diamond/jewel/drilling device/driller/borer hung2 (孔) = [n] hole/opening/aperture/bore/orifice / [adj] of or pertaining to Confucius or Confucianism lung1 (窿) = hole/cavity lung4 (窿) = mine shaft/gallery daai6 ji5 lung1 (大耳窿) = loanshark so2 si4 lung41 (鎖匙窿) = keyhole dei6 lung1 (地窿) = burrow fu3 cyun1 lung41 (褲穿窿) = having no money cyun1 (穿) = [v] penetrate/pierce through/pass/go through/cross/wear/put on/be dressed in / [prep] through (used after a verb) saan1 lung41 (山窿) = cave/tunnel lung41 lou6 (窿路) = a loophole/an opportunity or a shortcut for accomplishing a task sak1 dau6 lung41 = smart little kid (often somewhat naughty) maak3 daai6 go3 hau2 dak1 go3 lung1 (擘大個口得個窿) = to have a gapping mouth due to shock or suprise/to open one's mouth wide fat1 lung41 (窟窿) = hole/opening family = gaa1 jan4 (家人) / uk1 kei2 jan4 (屋企人) / hing1 dai6 zi2 mui6 (兄弟姊妹) gaa1 (傢) = family / home cutlery = caan1 geoi6 (餐具) (meal tools) kitchen = cyu4 fong2 (廚房) bottled gas = sek6 jau4 hei3 (石油氣) petrol = hei3 jau4 (汽油) / din6 jau4 (電油 - Cantonese only) piped gas = mui4 hei3 (煤氣) coal = mui4 (煤) cup = bui1 (盃) cyu4 = chef (廚) bowl/dish = (zek3 (隻)) wun2 (碗) dish (food) = sung3 (餸) chopsticks = (zek3 (隻) / deoi3 (對)) faai3 zi2 (筷子) fork = (zek3 (隻)) caa1 (叉) freezer = bing1 gwai6 (冰櫃) fridge = syut3 gwai6 (雪櫃) knife = (baa2 (把)) dou1 (刀) sik1 zi6 tau4 soeng6 jat1 baa2 dou1 (色字頭上一把刀) = danger may lurk behind seduction from women pot = wu4 / ?wu2 (壺) spoon = (zek3 (隻)) (ci4) gang1 ((匙)羹) messy/chaotic = lyun6 (亂) microwave = mei4 bo1 lou4 (微波爐) oven = guk6 lou4 (焗爐) to place = baai2 hai2 (擺喺) room = fong4/2 (房) bedroom = seoi6 fong2 (sleeping room) (睡房) study room = syu1 fong2 (書房) store (somewhere) = cyu5 cyun4 (貯存) cyu5 (貯) = store/save/lay aside cyun4 (存) = [v] exist/live/survive/store/retain/deposit/cherish/harbour/nurse / [n] stock/reserve/goods in stock stove = zyu2 sik6 lou4 (煮食爐) wardrobe = saam1 gwai6 (衫櫃) / ji1 gwai6 (衣櫃) gwaa3 jap6 ji1 gwai6 (掛入衣櫃) = hang into wardrobe window = go3/zek3 coeng1 (個/隻窗) measure word must be used to distinguish from gun = zi1 coeng1 (枝槍/鎗) Home Return Permit = wui4 hoeng1 zing3 (回鄉證) HK = hoeng1 gong2 (香港) / bun2 gong2 (slang) (本港) hot = jit6 (熱) hour = zung1 (tau4) (鐘(頭)) minute = fan1 (分) (zung1 (鐘) - not needed if telling the time) fan1 (分) = [v] divide/separate/part/distribute/assign/allot/distinguish;/differentiate/tell apart / [adj] divisional/branch / [n] point/mark/score /unit of length (centimeter)/area/weight/money (one cent)/interest rate/time (one minute) etc fan6 (分) = [n] unit to express fractions and percentages/extent of one's duty or rights/component/content/element how = dim2 joeng2 (點樣) [n] dot/point/drop/spot/o'clock/hour/refreshment/snack/cake / [v] select/count/check/touch/mark/adorn/instruct/point to/hint/trick/misguide/fool around/ignite/light up/kindle / [adj] a little/a bit/some/how?/what?/why? = dim2 (點) how (verb) = dim2 verb* (點 verb) how long? = gei2 noi6 aa3? (幾耐呀?) gei2 (幾) = [adv] how many/how much/what/quite/considerably / [adj] a few/several/-plus gei1 (幾) = [adv] nearly/almost/practically long time = hou2 noi6 (好耐) short time = jat1 dyun6 dyun2 si4 gaan3 (一段短時間) inside/within = noi6 (耐) how many noun/any number / much = gei2 noun/any number (幾) how many times you verb ... = gei2 noi6 verb jat1 ci3 ... (幾耐 verb 一次) person + duration + action / verb + no of times + ci3 (次) + obj e.g. I clean the toilet 4 times a year = ngo5 jat1 nin4 sai2 sei3 ci3 ci3 saw2 (我一年洗四次廁所) jat1 nin4 jat1 dou6 (一年一度) = once a year (every year) hurt = tung3 (痛) I I = ngo5 (我) I am ready = ngo5 zeon2 bei6 hou2 (我準備好) alright = dim6 (掂) dim1 (掂) = [v] to estimate the weight of something by holding or weighing it with hands dim3 (掂) = [v] to shake/touch dim6 (掂/'��) = [adj] satisfactory/in good order/OK / [adj] straight/vertical / [v] to pick up with the fingers lei5 dim2 aa3? (你點呀) = What's up? ID = san1 fan2 zing3 (身分證) idea = lam2 faat3 (諗法) / ji3 nim6 (意念) concept = koi3 nim6 (概念) mix up = kau1 lyun6 (溝亂) kau1 (溝) = ditch/channel/drain/waterway/furrow/trench/groove/rut/gully/ravine/valley/mix together/pick or chat up/cruise (for sexual partner) lyun6 (亂) = [adj] disorderly/messy/riotous/upset/perturbed/confused / [adv] indiscriminately/arbitrarily/at random / [v] jumble up/throw into chaos/confuse lyun6/2 saai3 (daai6) lung4 (亂晒(大)籠) = chaotic (daai6 (大)=very) if = jyu4 gwo2 (如果) / ge3 waa6 (嘅話) - (used in conjuction with jyu4 gwo2 如果 or m4 hai6 唔係 for emphasis) as said immediately = zik1 hak1 (即刻) important = zung6 jiu3 (重要) influence = jing2 hoeng2 (影響) inform/notify = tung1 zi1 (通知) -ing = gan2 (緊) injured = sau6 soeng1 (受傷) injury = can1 (not so serious) (嚫) / soeng1 (serious) (傷) install = zong1 (裝) [n] clothes/garments/dress / [v] dress up/decorate/pretend/fake/feign/load/pack/fill/charge/install/assemble/fit = zong1 (裝) to decorate/decorative/ornamental = zong1 sik1 (裝飾) [v] adorn/polish/decorate/ornament/cover up/gloss over/whitewash/play the role of/act the part of / [n] decorations/ornaments/adornments = sik1 (飾) jewellery = sau2 sik1 (首飾) interactive = wu6 dung6 (互動) international = gwok3 zai3 (國際) inter- = zai3 (際) e.g. inter-school contest = haau6 zai3 bei2 coi3 (校際比賽) e.g. international airport = gwok3 zai3 gei1 coeng4 (國際機場) interest (in ... - noun) = jau5 hing3 ceoi3 (興趣) hing3 (興) = [n] interest/excitement/high spirits hing1 (興) = [v] start/launch/mobilize/promote / [v] become popular/fashionable/prevail / [adj] thriving/prosperous/flourishing ceoi3 (趣) = [n] interest/delight/fun/inclination/taste/liking / [adj] interesting/amusing/funny introduce/introduction/recommend/to present = gaai3 siu6 (介紹) gaai3 (介) = [v] lie between/be situated between/interpose/introduce briefly/give a brief introduction/keep in mind/take seriously / [n] thing or person that lies in between/shell/armour/shelled aquatic animal / [classifier] a (soldier)/an (intellectual) siu6 (紹) = [v] carry forward/inherit/continue/introduce/bring together/connect gaai3 siu6 seon3 (介紹信) = a letter of recommendation/reference hou2 gaai3 siu6 (好介紹) = recommendation zi6 ngo5 gaai3 siu6 (自我介紹) = self introduction [v] to be/is (identity)/are/yes/it is/indeed/right/positive / [n] relation/relationship/consequence = hai6 (係) continuously = hai6 gam2 (係噉) + verb so/such/like this/that/in this way/in that case/like/looking like/similar to/in the manner of/ up to certain level = gam2 (噉) that is/i.e./exactly/precisely the case = zik1 hai6 (即係) / zau6 hai6 (the/precisely/just like/even/ even if) (often used to emphasise "are", if before an explanation) (就係) [adv] promptly/immediately/at once/namely/exactly/precisely / [n] now/present moment/immediate future / [v] approach/reach/be near/assume/undertake/take up / [prep] prompted by the occasione = zik1 (即) immediately = zik1 hak1 (即刻) namely/that is = jik6 zik1 (亦即) jik6 = also/too (亦) right away/only/approach/comply with = zau6 (就) zau6 sau2 (就手) = go smoothly/handy/to one's convenience/while you're at it hai6 mai6 (係咪) = contraction of hai6 m4 hai6 (係唔係) / to be or not to be/is it or is it not? / hai6 mai6/2 (rhetorical) isn't it?/is it?/is it not the case? mai1 (咪) = (n,v) (cat's) mew/meow/miaow mai1 (咪) = Cantonese only [v] study hard/swot / [n] transliteration for English words 'microphone'/'meter'/'mile'/etc [v] poke/prod with one's nails/chop/stab with a knife mai5 (咪) = Cantonese only (v) don't/shouldn't/mustn't mai6 (咪) = Cantonese only [1] isn't/wasn't/aren't (used as a syllable blending from m4 hai6 (唔係) / (often used with lo1 囉) then/as a result/might just as well hai6 mai6 sin1 (係咪先) = do you agree with me? don't you! [Syn.] hai6 m4 hai6 sin1 (係唔係先) [Cantonese only] mai6 hai6/hai2 = (v) to be [2](adv) quite right/exactly/precisely \| Syn.: zau6 hai6 (就係) \| Std. Chin.: zau6 si6 (就是) / (rhetorical) /mai6 hai6/2/ "Isn't that so?"/"Didn't I say so?"/"I told you so!"/"That's precisely my point!" \| Std. Chin.: naan4 dou6 bat1 si6 maa3 (難道不是嗎) zau6 si6 (就是) = means/is/precisely/exactly/even/just like/in the same way as \| Cant.: zau6 hai6 (就係) / zik1 hai6 (即係) / jat1 jyu1 (一於) / ngaan6 hai6 / ngaan2 hai6 (硬係) jat1 jyu1 (一於) = determined/stern/decided/firm ngaan6 hai6 / ngaan2 hai6 (硬係) = stubbornly/relentlessly gin1 kyut3 (堅決) = firm/resolute/determined gin1 kyut3 fau2 jing6 (堅決否認) = to firmly deny fau2 (否) = [v] negate/deny / [adv] whether or not pei2 (否) = [adj] bad/wicked/evil / [v] censure/criticize must be = sat6 hai6 (實係) / jat1 ding6 (一定) / jiu3 (need) (要) solid/concrete/substantial/tangible/true/real/factual/sincere/fruit/seed/definitely/closely/tightly = sat6 (實) actually/in fact = kei4 sat6 / sat6 zai3 (實際) / gan1 bun2 (根本) that/such = kei4 (其) among/in = kei4 zung1 (其中) other = kei4 taa1 (其他) it (an object) = taa1 (他) guitar = git3 taa1 (結他) git3 = tie (結) git3 fan1 = to marry (結婚) to wed/to marry/a marriage/a wedding = fan1 (婚) wedding ceremony = fan1 lai5 (婚禮) fan1 jan1 (婚姻) = marriage (with focus on the marriage itself) (dyun6 measure word) jan1 (婚) = marriage/relation by marriage fan1 si6 (婚事) = marriage (with focus on the relationship aspect of marriage) (tau4 measure word) fu1 fu5 (夫婦) / fu1 cai1 (夫妻) = husband wife (married couple) lovers/sweethearts = cing4 leoi5 (情侶) leoi5 (侶) = companion/mate/associate inter-/occasion/border = zai3 (際) gan1 (根) = root of a plant/foundation/basis/origin/source/cause/completely/thoroughly/[mathematics] root of a number/[chemistry] radical/[classifier] a piece of (stick, rope, cigarette, etc) basis/foundation = gan1 gei1 (根基) gei1 (基) = [n] foundation/base/origin/basis/root/group/the base of a chemical compound / on the basis of/according to/on the strength of / (Cantonese slang only) phonetic translation of "gay" i.e. male homosexual e.g. gaau2 gei1 (搞基) bun2 (本) = basis/origin/source/original/inherent/intrinsic/copy/book/edition/script/capital/principal/cost/root or stem (of a plant) / [adv] originally/at first / [pron] my/our/this/current/[prep] based on/according to/on the authority of / [classifier] copy (of book, magazine, dictionary, etc) gei1 bun2 gung1 (基本功) = basic training/basic skill/essential technique actually/really/in reality/in actual fact = sat6 zoi6 (實在) at/in/on/up to / [v] rest with/consist in/depend on/be alive/living/be present/exist / used to indicate a progressive tense = zoi6 to confirm the truth/to verify = zing3 sat6 (證實) zing3 (實) = to prove/demonstrate/testify to/attest to / [n] evidence/proof/testimony/certificate ding6 (定) = [adj] stable/calm/composed / [v] decide/fix/set/settle / [adv] surely/certainly/definitely/in advance/ahead of time / [conj] shortened form of "or" ding6 hai6 (定係) deng6 (定) = [v] order/book/subscribe / [n] deposit/downpayment / [variant] of ding3/deng6/ding4 (訂) ding3/deng6/ding4 (訂) = order/subscribe to/book/reserve ding3/ding4 (訂) = conclude/draw up/agree on/fix/revise/edit/amend/make corrections not necessarily = m4/bat1 jat1 ding6 (唔/不一定) not = m4/bat1 (唔/不) but = bat1 gwo3 (不過) / daan6 hai6 (但係) cross/pass/pass time/particle marking experiential aspect = gwo3 (過) but/however/yet = daan6 (但) wan2 ding6 (穩定) = stable/steady wan2 (穩) = [adj] steady/stable/firm/sure/certain/definite / [v] stabilize/calm/steady obviously/certainly = gang2 + hai6/verb (梗 + 係/verb) stiff/certainly = gang2 (梗) oh no = m4 hai6 aa3 maa5 (唔係呀嗎) really = zan1 hai6 (真係) zan1 (真) = true/real/factual/genuine/actual/substantial/really/truly/the highest sincerity one is capable of zan1 sat6 (真實) = real/true truth = zan1 waa6 (真話) / sat6 waa6 (實話) it is true = zan1 gaa3 (真㗎) zan1 di1 (真啲) = carefully just = zi2 hai6 (before + verb for identity only) (只係) She is just a 12 year old girl. = keoi5 zi2 hai6 jat1 go3 sap6 ji6 seoi3 ge3 neoi5 zai2. (佢只係一個十二歲嘅女仔.) not just = m4 daan1 zi2 hai6 (唔單只係) (before + verb for identity only) only/merely/just = zi2 (只) daan1 (單) = [adj] single/sole/of odd number/simple/thin/weak / [n] list/slip/bill/menu / [adv] only/merely/alone / [classifier] case/matter simple = gaan2 daan1 (簡單) simple/treat impolitely/letter = gaan2 (簡) dim2 zi2 gam3 gaan2 daan1 (點止咁簡單) = How could it be so simple? - rhetorical question that means "It's not so simple" is (there is/are) = jau5 (has) (有) island = dou2 (島) to issue/to send out = faat3 ceot1 (發出) itchy [Cantonese] / [n] scar/mark/trace = han4 (痕) scratch (noun on the body) = aau1 syun2 (��損) scratch (verb) = aau1/ngaau1 (��) scratch an itch = aau1 han4 (��痕) / waa2 han4 (搲痕) waa2 / we2 (搲) = scratch/claw/grab/grasp J jackpot (mark six) = luk6 hap coi2 (六合彩) job = gung1 zok3 (工作) ji6 gung1 (義工) / zi6 jyun6 (自願) = voluntary worker/volunteer/voluntary work without pay jyun6 (願) = [n] wish/hope/desire/aspiration/vow (made before Buddha or a god) / [v] be willing/be ready/wish to ling4 jyun2(6) (寧願) / ling4 ho2 (寧可) / cing4 jyun2(6) (情願) = would rather/better / willingness/would rather (agree to X than Y) ling4 (寧) = [adj] peaceful/serene/tranquil / [n] another name for Nanjing / [adv] would rather (than)/better be (than)/how could it/there be bat1 cing4 jyun6 (不情願) = to be unwilling loeng5 soeng1 cing4 jyun6 (兩廂/相情願) = in mutual agreement/both parties are willing soeng1 (廂) = (train) compartment/railway carriage/box (in theatre, stadium, etc)/(building) wing/side-room/(city) vicinity/outskirts / [literary] side/aspect jat1 soeng1 cing4 jyun6 (一廂/相情願) = one's own wishful thinking/one-sided wish - [literal] a wish expressed by one side sam1 gam1 cing4 jyun2 (心甘情願) = to be perfectly happy to do/most willing to do gam1 (甘) = [adj] sweet/tasty/delicious / [Ant] fu2 (苦) / [adj] pleasant/satisfactory/timely / [adv] willingly/readily/of one's own accord demote = dan6 dung1 gu1 (燉冬菇) dan6 (燉) = stew over boiling water/warm/simmer sth in a container in boiling water/stew over slow fire promote = zeon3 sing1 (晉升) sing1 (升) = ascend/go up/hoist/rise/promote/elevate/advance / [measure] litre just now = aam1 aam1 (啱啱) / tau4 sin1 (頭先) / zing3 waa6 (正話) K key = so2 si4 (鎖匙) so2 (鎖) = [n] lock/padlock / [v] lock up/fasten / chains/fetters/shackles lin4 so2 (連鎖) + dim2 (店) / zau2 dim2 (酒店) / etc... = chain store / hotel / etc.. si4 / ci4 (匙) = key / spoon kill = saat3 (殺) (hoi6 (害) - to murder/to kill) hoi6 (害 ) = [n] harm/evil/disadvantage/disaster/pest/scourge / [adj] harmful/destructive/injurious / [v] do harm to/cause trouble to/kill/murder/assassinate/contract (illness)/suffer from/feel (afraid, astonished, etc) know (information) = zi1 dou3 (知道/到) dou3 (6) (道) = [n] road/way/path/street/channel/course/method/doctrine/principle/teachings/Taoism/Taoist/morals/skill/artistry/craft/technique / [v] say/speak/talk/tell/think/suppose/wonder / classifier for doors/walls/orders/etc zi1 (知) = [v] know/understand/be aware of/inform/notify/tell/[literary] administer/be in charge of / [n] knowledge/learning / [n] bosom/intimate friend zi3 (知) = variant of zi3 (智), notably 知識 zi3 (智) = [n] wisdom/resourcefulness/wit / [adj] clever/bright/intelligent zi1 sik1 (知識) = knowledge/learning/know-how how is one to know (literary) = jin1 zi1 (焉知) every cloud has a silver lining = coi3 jung1 sat1 maa5, jin1 zi1 fei1 fuk1 (warrior loses horse, how is one to know not luck) (塞翁失馬,焉知非福) know something about = loek6 zi1 jat1 ji6 (略知一二) one's conscience/intuitive knowledege = loeng4 zi1 (良知) loeng4 (良) = good/fine/desirable/auspicious/virtuous/respectable/beautiful/very/instinctive/inborn/innate dim2 zi1 (點知) = "for all I know..."/"God knows..." / but unfortunately .... / who knows know (how to do something) = sik1 (識) knowledge = zi1 sik1 (知識) Company limited (humourous) = jau5 haan6 gung1 si1 (有限公司) to know/recognise = jing6 sik1 (認識) jing6 = recognise/identify/make out/admit/acknowledge/agree/accept/enter into a certain relationship with/offer/undertake to do sth sik1 dou2 (認到) = know able common sense = soeng4 sik1 (常識) kneel = gwai6 (跪) kneel down = gwai6 dai1 (跪低) dai1 (低) = lower kidnap = gwaai2 (拐) kilogram = gung1 gan1 (公斤) gan1 (斤) = catty (unit of weight e.g. 10 loeng2 両) loeng2 (両) = liang (a unit of weight, equal to 1/10 of jin or 50 gm)/ tael (a unit of weight, equal to 1/16 of catty or about 31 gm) L lack/be short of/deficient/imperfect/damaged/defective/absent from/not attend/vacancy/opening/vacant position = kyut3 (缺) lack of oxygen = kyut3 joeng5 (缺氧) kyut3 fat6 (缺乏) = to lack/be short of/deficient/wanting/lacking fat6 (乏) = [v] lack/be short of / [adj] tired/weary/exhausted/worn-out/spent/used ladder = tai1 (梯) land = (tou2) dei6 ((土)地) (faai3 (塊)) dei6 sam1 kap1 lik6 (地心吸力) = gravity/gravitation inhale/breathe/suck/draw in/absorb/soak up/suction/attract/captivate/draw to oneself = kap1 (吸) soil = lai4 tou2 (泥土) lai4 (泥) = mud/soil/mire/clay/plaster/mashed vegetable or fruit/paste lei6 (泥) = cover with plaster/putty/bigoted/obstinate/stubborn tou2 (土) = soil/earth/land/territory/domain/local/native/indigenous/unrefined/unenlightened/rustic/countrified/opium/an abbreviation for Turkey grass land = cou2 dei2/6 (草地) wet land = sap1 dei6 (濕地) language/tell = waa6 / jyu5 jin4 (語言) jyu5 (語) = language/speech/expression/words/saying/proverb/set phrase/sign/signal/speak/say/talk/tell mou5 jyu5 (母語) = native language/mother tongue jin4 (言) = [n] words/speech/language/dialect/tongue / [v] speak/say/talk/mean/express / used as a particle, adverb, etc. in various ancient expressions without meaning language barrier = jyu5 jin4 zoeng3 ngoi6 (語言障礙) zoeng3 (障) = [n] barrier/obstacle/screen / [v] block/hinder/obstruct ngoi6 (礙) = hinder/obstruct/be in the way of/be harmful to ngo5 waa6 lei5 (我話你) = I cricitise you. ngo5 waa6 lei5 (我話你) = I tell you off. waa6 ngo5 zi1 = let me know (話我知) ngo5 jau5 di1 je5 waa6 (bei2) lei5 zi1 (我有啲嘢話(畀)你知) = I have something to tell you Cantonese = gwong2 dung1 waa2 (廣東話) / baak6 waa2 (白話) (mainly used in China) French = faat3 man4 (法文) Mandarin = pou2 tung1 waa2 (普通話) expression/saying = syut3 waa6 (說話) / gong2 faat3 (講法) [v] speak/talk/say/tell/explain/clarify/make clear/criticize/scold/admonish/try to influence sb to do sth/mean/refer to/indicate / [n] theory/teachings/doctrine = syut3 (說) novel = siu2 syut3 (小說) cing4 bei2 gam1 gin1 (情比金堅) = love is more solid than gold cing4 (情) = emotion bei2 (比) = compare gam1 (金) = gold last (time/year/but not last night) = soeng6 (上) (time) ci3 (次) = time year = nin4 (年) but changes to nin2 (年) when has a prefix) last year = last year = soeng6 (上) (upper - on a calendar) nin2 (年) last year = gau6 (old) nin2 (舊年) next year = next year = haa6 (下) (lower - on a calendar) nin2 (年) next year = ceot1 (out) nin2 (出年) e.g. soeng6 (jat1/gei2) tong4 (上一/幾年) = last lesson(s) last night (yester...) = cam4/kam4 maan5 (噚/琴晚) last one = zeoi3 hau6 jat1 go3 (最後一個) last + period of time = zeoi3 mei5/mei1 (最尾) + period of time e.g. 4 days = sei3 go3 jat6 (四個日) late = ci4 (遲) = late/delayed/belated /slow/dilatory/sluggish later than scheduled = ci4 di1 (遲啲) late in the day = ngaan3 di1 (晏啲) later in the day = ngaan3 di1 (晏啲) late in the evening = je6 (夜) later in the evening = je6 di1 (夜啲) late time in month/year = ... mei5 (尾) later on = hau6 loi4 (後來) ng6 dim2 (誤點) = not on time/late (public transport, airlines)/overdue/behind schedule/delayed ng6 (誤) = [adj] incorrect/wrong / [n] mistake/error / [v] miss/delay/impede/hinder/harm / [adv] mistakenly/by accident lazy = laan5 (懶) learn = hok6 (學) learn well = hok2 dou2 je5 (學到嘢) leave = lei4 hoi1 (離開) / zau2 (走) lei4 (離) = leave/depart from/be separate from/be away from/be at a distance from/be without/be independent of leave home = ceot1 mun4 hau2 (出門口) left = zau2 zo2 (走咗) has connotation of died so for just left = aam1 aam1 haang4 hoi1 (just walk open) (啱啱行開) left (a place) = lei4 hoi1 zo2 ... (離開咗...) not been in ... for (time) = m4 hai2 (唔喺) ... (time) leave a message = lau4 jin4 (留言) / waa6 ceng2 lei5 hai2 bip1 jat1 seng1 zi1 hau6 lau4 jin4 (請你喺bip1一聲之後留言) = please you at beep 1 sound after leave a message faat3 sung3 dyun2 seon3 (發送短訊) = to send a (mobile phone) SMS text message/(UK) to text/to be texting/(MY/SG) to SMS / Cantonese speakers are more likely to use the English word 'send' than to use 'faat3 sung3 (發送)' / SMS is 'Short Message Service' message = dyun2 seon3 (短信) / seon3 sik1 (訊息)/WeChat ... seon3 (訊) = enquire/ask after/interrogate/question/information/news/message/dispatch reply = fut1 / fuk1 (覆) return an obj = waan4 (還) waan4 (還) = [v] go/come back/return (to a place)/give/pay back/return (sth) / [adv] still/yet/still more/even/even more/again/once more /also/too/as well waan4 jyun4 (還原) = to restore left (direction) = zo2 bin1/min6 (左邊 / 面) lens/webcam/video recorder = geng3 tau4 (鏡頭) documentary = gei2 luk6 pin2 (紀錄片) [v] record/write down/transcribe/hire/employ/choose / [n] record/register/collection = luk6 (錄) record (video) = luk6 jing2 / dai1 (錄影 / 低) record (audio) = luk6 jam1 (錄音) sound/voice/noise/tone/pitch/accent/pronunciation/timbre/musical note/news/information/tidings (usually used in correspondence) = jam1 (音) sound/noise/voice = sing1 jam1 (聲音) [n] sound/voice/noise/reputation/fame/tone/initial of a Chinese syllable / [v] make a sound/declare/state = sing1/seng1 (聲) homophone = tung4 jam1 zi6 (同音字) cassette = luk6 jam1 daai2 (錄音帶) video (noun) = jing2 pin2 (影片) lesson = tong4 (堂) tong4 (堂) = [n] hall/room for a specific purpose/cousins on paternal side/mother / [classifier] period/class/court session attend lesson = soeng5 tong4 (上堂) finish = lok6 tong4 (落堂) soeng6 (jat1/gei2) tong4 = last lesson(s) finished the lesson = soeng5 jyun4 tong4 (attend finish lesson 上完堂) finish = jyun4 (完) (must follow a verb so cannot say tong4 jyun4) letter (alphabet) = zi6 mou5 (字母) word/Chinese character = zi6 (字) sik6 zi6 (食字) = pun/wordplay/phrase with double meaning dictionary = zi6 din2 (字典) [n] rule/statute/law/canon/tale or story from the classics/an allusion / [v] pawn/mortgage/take charge of = din2 (典) subtitles = zi6 mok6 (字幕) zi6 leoi5 hong4 gaan1 (字裡/裏行間) = between the lines/by implication letter (mail) = (fung1) seon3 (信) fung1 = a classifier for sth enveloped / envelope/wrapper/covering/seal/close/block/confer (a title) upon level = cang4 (層) lie (untrue) = gong2 daai6 waa6 (講大話) daai6 waa6 gong2 jat1 baak3 ci3, daai6 waa6 zau6 bin3 zan1 (大講話一百次, 大話就變真) = a lie told a hundred times becomes true baak3 (百) = hundred/numerous/many/all lift (able to) = ling1 dou2 (拎到) lift (high/over my head) = geoi2 hei2 (舉起) lift (machine) = lip1 (��) like = zung1 ji3 (鍾意) zung1 (鍾) = [v] concentrate (one's affections, etc) ji3 (意) = [n] wish/desire/intention/meaning/idea/thought / [v] expect/anticipate/foresee (a) line of ... = jat1 hong4 .... (一行...) liquid = jik6 tai2 (液體) listen = teng1 (聽) teng1/ting1 (聽) = [v] listen to/hear/obey/comply with/heed teng1/ting3 (聽) = [v] allow/let/submit to/administer/rule ting3 (聽) = Cantonese only [v] wait for/await / [variant] (等) dang2/ting3 (等) = (NB. In Cantonese, when the pronunciation used is [ting3], 聽 will be the more frequently used character, as many speakers do not associate 等 with a colloquial pronunciation of [ting3].) [v] wait for/wait until/await/let/allow dang2 (等) = [n] grade/rank/class / [adj] equal/same/plural number / etcetera; and so on; and the like ting2 (等) = [measure] sort/kind/type ting1 (聽) = Cantonese only [n] tomorrow listen to me = teng1 ngo5 gong2 (聽我講) zo6 ting1 hei3 (助聽器) = hearing aid litre = lit1 (a) little = siu2 siu2 (少少) / jat1 di1 (一啲) minute/very small/ a little better = dit1 dit1 also can = If adj not tone 1 ((a) little) = adj + adj2 + dei2 + 2nd 'half' of adj if exists If tone 1 ((a) little) = adj + adj + dei2 daai6 daai2 dei2 = a little big fei4 fei2 dei2 = a little fat jim4 zung6 = serious jim4 jim2 dei2 zung6 = a little serious gou1 gou1 dei2 = a little tall (高高哋) fui1 fui1 dei2 sik1 = a little grey tau1 tau1 dei2 (偷偷哋) = stealthily/furtively/covertly/secretly/on the sly life = sai3 (世) live somewhere/stop/verb particle marking the extensional aspect = zyu6 (住) verb + zyu6 (住) = verb + for a while m4 hou2 (唔好) + verb + zyu6 (住) = don’t verb for now accommodation = zyu6 suk1 (住宿) stay overnight/long-standing/veteran = suk1 (宿) afterwards (time) = gan1 zyu6 / zi1 hau6 (afterwards) (之後) / si6 hau6 (事後) - after the event heel/follow/with/to/and = gan1 (跟) 's/of/it/this/go to/to = zi1 (之) behind/come after = hau6 (後) connect = lin4 zyu6 (連住) connect/involve/continuously/including/together with/besides/to the extent of/company (of soldiers) = lin4 (連) dress = lin4 san1 kwan4 (連身裙) body/trunk/hull/life/lifetime/oneself/in person/moral character/social status = san1 (身) skirt/apron/petticoat = kwan4 (裙) hug somebody = laam2/pou5 zyu6 (both arms & longer time) (攬/抱住) hug/take on (task)/monopolize/attract (talented people)/solicit = laam2/laam5 (攬) loop (scarf, belt, etc) around/fasten with a rope = laam6 (攬) tightly hug = laam2 sat6 (攬實) embrace/cherish = pou5 (抱) facing towards (opposite) = min6 deoi3 (面對) / hoeng3/deoi3 zyu6 [adj] correct/right/proper/opposite/opposing/antagonistic / [v] answer/reply/respond/counter/treat/cope with/face/direct at/train on/compare/check/adjust/match/suit/fit/agree / [classifier] pair; couple / [prep] to/towards/versus = deoi3 (對) face/surface/top/side/aspect/extent = min6 (面) face/direction/towards/all along = hoeng3 (向) think constantly / plan = lam2 zyu6 (諗住) think/consider = lam2/sam2 (諗) settle down = ding6 geoi1 (定居) geoi1 (居) = [v] to live at/dwell/reside/inhabit/occupy/abode / [n] a residence/an house/dwelling / stay put/be at standstill watch over = tai2 zyu6 (睇住) see/look/read/watch/believe = tai2 (intently) (睇) / gin3 (for feel) (見) / mong6 (more for gaze/look without intensity) (望) mong6 (望) = [v] look towards/gaze at/glance/hope/expect/await/call on/pay a visit / [n] reputation/prestige/15th day of a lunar month hei1 mong6 (希望) / kei4 mong6 (期望) = [n] hope / [v] to hope hei1 (希) = hope/expect/wish/seek/yearn for a glimmer of hope = jat1 sin3 hei1 mong6 (一線希望) sat1 mong6 (失望) = to lose hope/disappointment ling6 jan4 sat1 mong6 (令人失望) = make one feel disappointed kei4 mong6 jyut6 gou1 sat1 mong6 jyut6 daai6 (期望越高失望越大) = the higher your expectation, the greater your disappointment location/site/venue/place/spot = dei6 dim2 (地點) lockdown = geoi1 gaa1 ling6 (居家令) long = coeng4 (長) short (length but not short in height) = dyun2 (短) long term = coeng4 jyun5 (長遠) look (noun) = joeng2 (also physical features or ngoi6 biu2 (外表)) mat1 je5 joeng2 (乜野樣) = what look loose = sung1 (鬆) to lose/to drop/to feel a sense of loss = sat1 lok6 (失落) love = oi3 (愛) lucky = hang6 wan6 (幸運) lucky draw/lottery = cau1 zoeng2 (抽獎) cau1 (抽) = [v] draw out/pull out or open/sprout/bud/rid/take away/extraction/whip/lash/smoke (cigarettes, etc.)/shrink luckily / fortunately = hou2 zoi6 (好在) (good at/in/on/up to / [v] rest with/consist in/depend on/be alive/living/be present/exist / used to indicate a progressive tense) luggage = hang4 lei5 (行李) hand luggage = sau2 tai4 hang4 lei5 (手提行李) portable = sau2 tai4 (手提) -ly = verb + dak1 (得) + adjective e.g. smile happily = siu3 dak1 hoi1 sam1 (笑得開心) -ly also used whenever a verb + description of verb e.g. eat late snacks many + new situation = sik6 dak1 siu1 je2 do1 laa3 (食得宵夜多啦) M machine = gei1 (hei3) (機(器)) (bou6 (部) / gaa3 (架)) air conditioner = laang5 hei3 gei1 (冷氣機) leoi6 mong5 (濾網) = filter (air conditioner) leoi6 (濾) = filter/filter/strain/percolate mong5 (網) = net camera = soeng2 gei1 (相機) washing machine = sai2 ji1 gei1 (洗衣機) ji1 (衣) = [n] clothing/clothes/garment/dress/coating/covering/membrane/(human) placenta ji3 (衣) = [v] [literary] wear/clothe/be dressed in mainly = zyu2 jiu3 (主要) make = zing2 / ling6 (令 more formal) fix = zing2 hou2 (整好) ling6 (令) = [v,n] order/command/decree / [v] cause/make/arouse / [n] season/ancient official title/short song set to a fixed tune / [adj] your good/your esteemed ling6 dou3 (令到) / jan5 zi3 (引致) = cause/make/result in/enable/render/arise out of/beget/trigger/engender jan5 (引) = [v] pull/attract/guide/introduce/quote/retire/cause/make/a unit of length zi3 (致) = deliver/send/express/extend/convey/present/incur/cause/result in/bring about/achieve/devote (one's efforts, etc) to/manner or style that engages attention make a mistake = gaau2 co3 (搞錯) co3 gwo3 zo2 (錯過咗) = missed sth (time) (put on) make up = faa3 zong1 (化裝) male = naam4 (男) manners = lai5 maau6 (禮貌) ceremony/rite/ritual/propriety/courtesy/etiquette/gift/present/respect/treat with courtesy = lai5 (禮) ceremony = ji4 sik1 (儀式) [n] appearance/bearing/deportment/ceremony/etiquette/rite/gift/present/gratuity/apparatus/instrument / [v] admire/yearn/long for = ji4 (儀) hoi1 mok6 ji4 sik1 (開幕儀式) = opening ceremony tent/canopy/curtain/screen/office of a commanding general/act of a play/scene = mok6 (幕) appearance/looks/face/aspect/countenance = maau6 (貌) mark/correct = goi2 (改) evaluate = ping4 hat6 (評核) gau2 zing3 (糾正) / gaau3 zing3 (校正) = to correct/to put right/redress/rectify/remedy/rectify/proofread/amend market/fair/marketplace/city/metropolis/municipality / [v] trade/buy or sell/deal in = si5 (市) maybe = ho2 nang4 (可能) (statement) nang4 (能) = [v] can/may/be able to/could / [n] ability/capability/skill/energy (as electric, atomic) perhaps = m4 tung1 (唔通) (question e.g. perhaps - can express sarcasm) / ho2 nang4 hai6 (可能係) hou2 ho2 nang4 (好可能) = probably meal = caan1 faan6 (餐飯) breakfast = zou2 caan1 (早餐) Chinese breakfast = zung1 sik1 zou2 caan1 (中式早餐) Western breakfast = sai1 sik1 zou2 caan1 (西式早餐) lunch = aan3 zau3 faan6 (晏晝飯) meaning/interest/intention = ji3 si1 (意思) si1 (思) = to think/consider/deliberate/long for/miss/think of / [n] train of thought/thinking/state of mind/feeling/mood jyu4 soi1 (于思) = long and thick beard or mustache jyu1/jyu4 (于) = [v] proceed This word has what meaning? = li1 go3 zi6 jau5/hai6 mat1 je5 ji3 si1 aa3? (呢個字有/係乜野思?) What happened? = (faat3 saang1) (發生) mat1 je5 si6 aa3? (乜野事呀?) faat3 sang1 (發生) = to happen/to take place/to occur I think therefore I am = ngo5 si1 gu3 ngo5 zoi6 (我思故我在) [adj] former/old/past/ancient / [n] reason/cause/excuse/pretext/old friend/acquaintance/friendship/ incident/happening/event/accident / [conj] therefore/hence/so/consequently / [v] pass away/depart this life/die / [adv] intentionally/deliberately/on purpose = gu3 (故) this sense/topic = li1 fong1 min6 (呢方面) measure (size) = dok6 (度) feet (measurement) = cek3 (呎) inches = cyun3 (吋) obj's dimensions/size = obj + ge3 (嘅) + cek3 cyun3 (尺寸) metre = mai5 (米) meat = juk6 (肉) mechanical engineering = gei1 haai6 gung1 cing4 (機械工程) gei1 (機) = machine/machinery/mechanics/opportune/chance/opportunity/crucial point/pivot/tricky/cunning/aeroplane; airplane/telephone (esp. cellular) haai6 (械) = tool/instrument/weapons/fetters/shackles gung1 (工) = labor/work/worker/laborer/shift/time used in doing a piece of work/day's work/engineering or building project/defense work/fine/delicate/be skilled in cing4 (程) = form/pattern/degree/extent/journey/trip/schedule/agenda/order/course/measure/assess/distance/a general name of measurements of all kinds gung1 cing4 (工程) = project/engineering gung1 cing4 si1 (工程師) = engineer menu = coi3 paai2 (菜牌) vegetable menu but just means menu, also coi3 (牌) can = dish soeng5 coi3 (上菜) = to serve dish on table [n, adj] middle/centre/inside / [adv] during/among/in the process of / [n] medium/average/halfway/shortened form of China = zung1 (中) [v] be affected by/suffer/fall into/hit/fit exactly/be agreeable to = zung3 (中) migrate = ji4 man4 (移民) ji4 (移) = move/remove/shift/transform/change/alter man4 (民) = the people/the public/the populace/civilian/non-government/non-military/person of a certain type or occupation immigration department = ji4 man4 ting1 (移民廳) (teng1 (廳)) / jap6 ging2 cyu3 (入境處) mirror = (faai3 (塊)) geng3 (鏡) Miss = siu2 ze2 (小姐) Ms = neoi5 si6 (女士) mix (people)/descendant/posterity/progeny /hem of a garment, robe, etc./borderland/distant land = jeoi6 (裔) moment = zan6 (陣) money = cin2 (錢) cash/coins/money/fund/wealth/a traditional unit of weight (1/10 of a tael) = cin2/4 (錢) 10c = hou4 (毫) (zi2) hou4 (毫) = [measure] milli- (for length and weight) / in the least/to the slightest degree / a dime; 10 cents ($0.10) / fine tapering animal hair / writing brush / loop handle of a steelyard cash = jin6 gam1 (現金) / jin6 cin2 (現錢) gold/metals in general/money/wealth/weapons/arms/precious/excellent/fine/golden/durable/name of the Tungusic dynasty (1115-1234), which dominated Manchuria and North China = gam1 (金) banknotes = zi2 bai6 (紙幣) / ngan4 zi2 (銀紙) bai6 (幣) = currency/money/banknote/bill/legal tender coins = ngan2 zai2 (銀仔) ngan4 (2) (銀) = [n] silver/argentum (Ag) / [n] currency/cash/coin / [adj] silver-coloured/silvery change (for ..$) = saan2 zi2 (散紙) saan2 (散) = undisciplined/unrestricted/slack/scattered/dissolved/broken up/medicinal powder saan3 (散) = disperse/scatter/break up/distribute/disseminate/spread/get rid of/remove/get over change (money into smaller denominations or coins) = coeng3 (暢) change/exchange/substitute/alter (clothes/money into another form but essentially same thing) = wun6 (換) .... (exchange rate) = deoi3 (對) ... replace X with Y = wun6 (換) X zou6 (做) Y ?.? (nearest 0.1) = ? go3 (個) ? (nearest 0.1) if 1.? = go3 (個) ? ?.?? = ? dim2 (點) ?? (?? as digits) GBP = jing1 bong2 (英鎊) bong6 (鎊) = [n] pound (lb) - a measure of weight / [v] weigh (with a scale) / Cantonese only [v] pay/hand over (money) bong2 (鎊) = [n] scales pong4 (鎊) = [adj] boundless/majestic HKD = gong2 zi2 (港紙) / gong2 bai6 (港幣) / man1 (蚊) RMB = jan4 man4 bai6 (人民幣) USD = mei5 gam1 (美金) cheap = peng4 (平) good value for money = hou2 dai2 (好抵) dai2 (抵) = [v] resist/deny/withstand/oppose/offset/substitute/balance/compensate/reach/arrive at/sustain/prop/hold/support/endure/suffer/tolerate / [v/adj] worth/deserve/cheap discount = dak6 gaa3 (special price) (特價) / jau1 wai6 (優惠 - preferential / favourable) / gaam2 gaa3 (減價) wai6 (惠) = [n,v] favour/give favour/benefit/kindness / [adv] (used as a form of compliment) favourably / [adj] gracious/gentle/fair/kind/benevolent zeoi3 wai6 gwok3 (最惠國) = most-favored nation (trade status) gaak3 gaa3 (格價) = compare prices expensive = gwai3 (貴) free (as in no money) = min5 fai3 免費 / m4 sai2 cin2 (唔使錢) min5 (免) = avoid/avert/escape/spare from/exempt from/dispense with/dismiss from (post)/remove from (office)/relieve/forbid/prohibit/not allowed fai3 (費) = [n] fee/expenses/charges/dues / [v] cost/spend/expend/consume / [adj] wasteful/expending too much din6 fai3 (電費) = electricity fee soeng5 toi4 fai3 (上台費) = mobile fee soeng5 toi4 (上台) = to go up to the stage/to rise to authority/to be in the limelight toi4 (上) = terrace/tower/lookout/platform/stage/rostrum/stand/support/base/station/channel/network/you/your (a title of respect)/short for Taiwan / [classifier] whole set (of certain machinery) fai3 si6 (費事) = [v] be loathe to do sth/not feel like doing sth/be in no mood for doing sth / [conj] lest (consequence), so as to avoid the hassle of sth/so as not to do sth / [adj] troublesome/inconvenient wan6 fai3 (運費) = delivery fee fai3 si6 (廢事) = a waste of time or effort fai3 (費) = [adj] useless/invalid/disabled / [adj] deserted/waste/dispirited / [v] give up/abolish/depose waste of time = fai3 si4 sat1 si6 (費時失事) a traffic accident = gaau1 tung1 sat1 si6 (交通失事) generous = hong2 koi3 (慷慨) generous/magnanimous/liberal/fervent/vehement/impassioned = hong2/kong2 (慷) indignant/impassioned / [v] sigh with emotion or regret / [adj] generous/magnanimous = koi3 (慨) borrow/make use of/take advantage of/make a pretext of = ze3 (借) ze3 jung6 (借用) = to use something for another purpose/to borro ze3 ceot1 (借出) / ze3 kap1 (借給) = lend / to lend to somebody ze3 sai3 (借勢) = to borrow sb's authority/to seize an opportunity Excuse me please move (budge up) = ze3 jat1 ze3 (借一借) / ze3 hoi1 (借開) / ze3 gwo3 (借過) / ze3 ze3 (借借) / ze3 me2 (借歪) me2 (歪) = [adj] slanting/tilted/askew / [adj] improper/underhand/crooked / [v] recline/lie in a reclining position ze3 man6 (借問) = May I ask... detail ze3 zo6 (借助) = to enlist help/to get help ze3 hau2 (借口) = excuse/pretext ze3 gaam3 (借鑑) = to reference others' work/to draw from others' experience zou1 ze3 jip6 kyun4 (租借業權) = leasehold jip6 (業) = [n] profession/business/trade/work/occupation/vocation/calling/estate/property/already zou1 ze3 dei6 (租借地) = leasehold land zou1 ze3 (租借) = to rent/to hire/to lease ze3 ci2 (借此) = take the occasion/so as to detail ci2 (此) = this/these/if so/in this case/here/such/thus ze3 fun2 ( 借款) = loan ji6 gwo3 ze3 fo2 (易過借火) = too easy (lit., "as easy as asking another smoker to help light up a cigarette") ze3 ci2 gei1 wui6 (借此機會) / ze3 zyu6 gei1 wui6 (借住機會) / ze3 di1 ji32 (借啲意) / ze3 gei1 (借機) = take this opportunity ze3 ci4 (借詞) / ze3 jung6 jyu5 (借用語) = loanword ze3 geoi3 (借據) = I owe you (document/paper) geoi3 (據) = [v] occupy/hold/seize/depend on/rely on / [prep] according to/on the grounds of / [n] evidence/proof/certificate ze3 si1 waan4 wan4 (借屍還魂) = reincarnation (lit - "a returning soul borrows a corpse") wan4 (魂) = soul/spirit/mood ze3 hai6 jan4 cing4 m4 ze3 hai6 dou6 lei5 (借係人情唔借係道理) = to lend and help is out of kindness, but there are many reasons for not lending or helping ze3 liu6 deon6 (借尿遁) = use going to the restroom as an excuse to slip away deon6 (遁) = flee/escape/evade/shirk pang4 ze3 (憑借) = rely on/depend on pang4 (憑) = lean on/against/prop/support oneself on/ rely on/depend on/on the basis of/by virtue of/in light of/no matter (what, where, when, how, etc)/proof/evidence/guarantee ho2 zi1 ze3 gaam3 (可資借鑒) = can serve as a object lesson/a lesson can be drawn from... gaam3 (鑒) = [v] (kindly) read this letter (used in opening phrase) / [v/n] variant of gaam3 (鑑) gaam3 (鑑) = [v] scrutinize/examine;/inspect/reflect/mirror/shine / [n] warning/object lesson/instruction/ancient bronze mirror/looking glass ze3 jyu6 (借喻) = use as a metaphor jyu6 (喻) = explain/make clear/inform/understand/know/comprehend/draw an analogy/be compared to ze3 tai4 faat3 fai1 (借題發揮) = take advantage of an incident to exaggerate matters/make an issue out of fai1 (揮) = wave/wield/shake/brandish/wipe off/scatter/disperse/command/direct/conduct ze3 gu3 (借故) = to find an excuse ze3 suk1 (借宿) = stay overnight; sleep over ze3 faa1 ging3 fat6 (借花敬佛) = offer gifts provided by somebody else fat6 (佛) = Buddha/Buddhist/Buddhism/image/statue of Buddha/Buddhist scripture ze3 zau2 giu1 sau4 (借酒澆愁) = to drown one's sorrows giu1 (澆) = [v] sprinkle water on/pour liquid on/irrigate/water (a field)/cast/pour into a mould / [adj] unkind/mean/ungrateful sau4 (愁) = [adj] gloomy/distressed/grieved / [v] worry about/be anxious/be uneasy about / [n] sadness/melancholy/sorrow zaak6 ze3 (摘借) = borrow money when in urgent need zaak6 (摘) = pick/pluck/take off/select/extract/choose/scold/reprimand/rebuke man6 wo4 soeng62 ze3 so1 (問和尚借梳) = hopeless soeng6 (尚) = [adv] still/yet/even / [v] esteem/value/uphold / [adj] lofty/noble so1 (梳) = a comb/coarse comb/brush/to comb/to braid/to plait / [classifier] a hand/bunch of (bananas) ze3 zo2 lung4 ji5 can4 zek3 ji5 (借咗聾耳陳隻耳) = turn a deaf ear to lung4 (聾) = deaf/hard of hearing can4 (陳) = [v] arrange/display/lay out/state/explain/narrate / [adj] old/stale/preserved for a long time poor = hou2 kung4 (好窮) kung4 (窮) = [adj] poor/destitute/poverty-stricken/having an end/having a limit //[adv] most/extremely/utterly/thoroughly/exhaustively/completely / [v] thoroughly examine/completely look into/use up/exhaust / [adj] in trouble/without any way out daap6 seoi2 (疊水) = rich/having a lot of money daap6/dip6 (疊) = [v] pile/stack/fold up / [classifier] pile/wad / [adj] repetitious/duplicate save money to buy something else = cou5 (ding6) cin2 (儲(定)錢) save/store up/keep in reserve/heir to the throne/crown prince = cou5 (儲) save money to economise (by limiting spending) = haan1 cin2 / seoi2 (慳錢/水) haan1 (慳) = save/economize/thrifty/frugal/miserly/stingy/lack/be short of/be deficient of miserly/not generous/penny-pinching = haan1 sap1 (慳濕) energy saving light bulb = haan1 din6 daam2 (慳電膽) guts/bravery/courage/nerve/gallbladder/inner container (of tire. basketball, etc)/bulb = daam2 (膽) spend money = sai2 cin2 (洗錢) spend money in a silly way = lyun6 sai2 cin2 (亂洗錢) waste money = saai1 cin2 (嘥錢) worth (money) = dai2 (抵) month = jyut6 (月) moon = jyut6 loeng6 (月亮) poetic name for moon (jade rabbit) = juk6 tou3 (玉兔) moon goddess = soeng4 ngo4 (嫦娥) more/many = do1 (多) (di1 (啲)) (do1 di1 (多啲) + object / verb + subject + do1 di1 (多啲)) / gang3 do1 (更多) - more formal number more subject = do1 (多) number subject gang1 (更) = [v] change/replace/alter / [literary] experience gaang1 (更) = [n] daily shift/shift duty/night duty/a watch period (one of the five two-hour periods into which the night was formerly divided starting at 7pm) gang3 (更) = [adv] further/furthermore/what is more/more/still more/even more ang3 (更) = Cantonese only [adv] [colloquial] no matter what/how do1 (更) = [adj] many/much/several/more/more than/odd/over/excessive/unnecessary / [adv] much better/much more/far more/how/what/to what extent do1 zo2 (多咗) = more than before more and more ... = jyut6 lai4 jyut6 (越嚟越) ... (for one thing) jyut6 (越) = [adv] even more/the more ... the more / [v] climb over/jump across/pass through/exceed/overstep/go beyond / [literary] plunder/pillage keoi5 jyut6 lai4 jyut6 fei4 (佢越嚟越肥) = he is fatter and fatter zek3 gau2 jyut6 fai6 jyut6 lau1 (隻狗越嚟越嬲) = the more and more the dog barks, the angrier it gets 1 thing jyut6 another thing (for two things) e.g. zek3 gau2 jyut6 aai3 jyut6 zau2 (隻狗越嗌越走) = the more the people shout, the more the dog runs away zek3 gau2 jyut6 fai6, ngo5 dei6 jyut6 geng1 (隻狗越嚟, 我哋越驚) = the more the dog barks, the more scared we get most (has) = zeoi3 do1 (最多) used for extreme most quantity, when want to say "most of these .." e.g. most days = do1 sou3 (多數) (many number) jat6 (日) also can be used for emphasis e.g. ngo5 zeoi3 soeng2 gong2 (我最想講) = I most (pressingly) want to say most of (proportion) (the time) = daai6 bou6 fan6 (大部分) / do1 sou3 (多數) (si4 gaan3/1 (時間)) bou6 (部) = part (section, department, division, troops) a big portion/mostly/the majority/a big section = daai6 bou6 fan6 (大部分) fan6 (份) = portion/part/share [2] [classifier] portion of food / gift, etc/copy of document, newspapers, etc / [suffix] unit (used after province, month, etc) / variant of 分 when 分 is also pronounced fan6 fan6 loeng6 (份量) = quantity mountain/hill = saan1 (山) mountain peak / hill top = saan1 deng2 (山頂) deng2 (頂) = [n] top/peak/crown (of the head)/classifier for sth that has a top ding2 (頂) = [v] carry on the head/push from below or behind/retort/answer back/turn down/withstand/stand up to/be equal to/substitute/replace/take the place of / [adv] most/exceedingly/best ding2 m4 seon6 (頂唔順) = "I can't stand it!" Cannot stomach it./Cannot stand it anymore. seon6 (順) = [v] follow/obey/submit to/go along with/cause to surrender/fall in with/arrange/put in order/take the opportunity / in the same direction as/with/along/ agreeable/favorable/comfortable/happy / convenient/smooth tung1 seon6 (通順) / tung1 dim6 (通掂) [Cantonese Only] = smooth/clear and coherent move = bun1 (搬) (mainly things) / juk1 (喐/郁/逳) (mainly living things or adjustment if for things e.g. TV) juk1 (喐/郁/逳) = [v] move / adorned/colorfully ornamented/beautiful/refined / walk don’t move = m4 hou2 juk1 (唔好 + 喐/郁/逳) sam1 juk1 juk1 (心郁郁) = eager to do something mai5 juk1 (咪喐) = Don't move! Freeze! [Var.] mai5 juk1 (咪郁) movement = ziu1 (招) to beckon/gesture/call upon/recruit/enlist/enrol/confess/admit/own up/attract/ incur/provoke / [n] trick/device/move/movement in martial art = ziu1 (招) MSG = mei6 zing1 (味精) MTR = dei6 tit3 (gaa3) multicultural = do1 jyun4 man4 faa3 (多元文化) music = jam1 ngok6 (音樂) sound the same = teng1 lok6/ngok6) (聽/樂) pronunciation = faat3 jam1 (發音) mystery/riddle = mai4 (謎) N name = meng2 (名) cyun4 meng2 (全名) = full name narrow = zaak3 (窄) natural / naturally = zi6 jin4 (自然) / zi6 zi6 jin4 (自自然) nature (the nature) = daai6 zi6 jin4 (大自然) naughty = jai5 (曳) need = jiu3 (要) don't need = m4 sai2 (唔使) for = jiu3 (要) e.g. I asked her/him for = ngo5 man6 keoi5 jiu3 (我問佢要) neighbour = gaak3 lei4 (隔籬) - next to / leon4 geoi1 (鄰居) nervous = gan2 zoeng1 (緊張) gan2 zoeng1 (緊張) = [adj] nervous/anxious/intense/strained/tense/tight/hard up/in short supply / [v] care much/be very concerned gan2 (緊) = [adj] tight/firm/secure/fast/close/strict/rigorous/tense/urgent/pressing/short of money zoeng1 (張) = stretch/open/spread/tense/strained/magnify/exaggerate/display/set out/show up/look / classifier for objects that are flat (paper, ticket, table) or stretchable (bow, mouth) never = cung4 loi4 bat1 (從來不) / cung4 mei6 (從未) cung4 (從) = [v] follow/comply with/listen to/engage in/undertake/join/adopt an attitude/follow a principle / [prep] from/by/through/since / [n] entourage/follower/attendant / [adj] secondary/subordinate/subsidiary sung1 (從) = [adj] lax/leisurely/plentiful new = san1 (新) newspaper = bou3 zi2 (報紙) bou3 (報) = [v] repay/recompense/report/announce / [n] reward/retribution/report/newspaper/periodical/journal bou3 gou3 (報告) = to report news = san1 man4/man2 / siu1 sik1 (消息) next = haa6 (jat1) (下(一)) next time = haa6 ci3 (下次) night time = je6 maan5 (haak1) (夜晚(黑)) no one = mou5 jan4 (冇人) mou5 li1 go3 jan4 (冇呢個人) = "no such person" (on telephone) noisy = (hou2) cou4 ((好)嘈) quiet = (on1) (安) zing6 (靜) normal = zing3 soeng4 (正常) common/normal/ordinary/frequently/long lasting/permanent/eternal/ rule/principle = soeng4 (常) nose = bei6 (鼻) mucus = bei6 tai3 (鼻涕) / taam4 (潭) snot = bei6 seoi2 (鼻水) runny nose = lau4 bei6 seoi2 (流鼻水) not = bat1 (不) not many = siu2 (小) rarely = hou2 siu2 (好少) not yet = mei6 (未) I haven't ... before. = ngo5 mei6 ... gwo3. (我未 ... 過.) Is it ready yet? Is it OK yet? = dak1 mei6 aa3 (得未呀) Is it ready yet? Is it OK yet? Positive answer = dak1 laak3 (得嘞) Is it ready yet? Is it OK yet? Negative answer = mei6 dak1 (未得) now = ji4 gaa1 (also home) / li1 paai4 (呢排) ji4 (而) = and/also/and yet/but/nevertheless/accordingly/otherwise/on the condition that/supposing that/if/you go2 paai4/42 (嗰排) = [adv] in those days/some time ago number = hou6 maa5 (號碼) (formal) / lam1 baa2 (冧把) What is the number? = gei2 hou6 aa3? (幾號呀?) number/numeral/symbol/code/yard (measure of length) = maa5 (碼) password/secret number/PIN = mat6 maa5 (密碼) O obvious = ming4 hin2 (明顯) ocean = joeng4 (洋) Octopus card = baat3 daat6 tung1 (八達通) sei3 tung1 baat3 daat6 (四通八達) = accessible from and to many directions touch the card / pass the card over = paak3/dut1 (拍嘟) often = ging1 soeng4 (經常) oh = aai1 jaa1 (哎吔) oil = jau4 (油) jau4 (油) = [n] oil/fat/grease/petroleum / [v] varnish/paint/lacquer / [adj] glib/oily/slippery old = gau6 (舊) (object) / lou5 (person) gau6 (舊) = worn/old/used/second-hand/past/bygone/former/original/outdated on (position) = soeng6 min6 (上面) one of the = kei4 zung1 jat1 go3 (其中一個) / kei4 zung1 zi1 jat1 (其中之一) kei4 zung1 (其中) = among/in zoi6 kei4 zung1 (在其中) = therein/wherein on time/punctual = zeon2 si4 (準時) (less common on3 si4 (按時)) zeon2 si4 m4 dou2 faan1 dou3 hok6 haau6 (準時唔到返到學校) = punctual cannot go arrive school - cannot arrive to school on time only (have) = dak1 (得) (after verb +) only (quantity not related to have) = wai4 jat1 (唯一) [conj] but/though/nevertheless / [adv] only/alone/solely / [n] thinking/thought/idea = wai4 (唯) only verb = zing6 hai6 (before + verb) (usually written as 淨係 but can be written as 剩係) zing6 (淨) is literary reading / zeng6 is colloquial (淨) = [adj] clean/tidy/pure/net (as opposed to "gross") / [v] make clean/cleanse/purify / [adv] always/completely/merely sing6 (淨) is standard reading zing6 is variant (剩) = [v] remain/be left over / [adj] residual/surplus the rest of … = zing6 dai1 ge3 (剩低嘅) not only = m4 zing6 zi2 (唔淨止) / m4 daan1 zi2 (唔單只) zing6 dai1 (剩低) = remain/left ji4 m4 hai6 (而唔係) = instead of/rather than open = hoi1 (開) newly open = san1 hoi1 (伸開) open a box = daa2 hoi1 hap2 (打開盒) pry open = maak3 hoi1 (擘開) to start = hoi1 ci2 (開始) at the start / [adv] originally/intially/at first / [n] beginning/opening/start / [v] begin/commence/make a start = hoi1 tau4 (開頭) hei2 dim2 (起點) = starting point/point of departure open up = hoi1 fong3 (開放) started/beginning = co1 (初) early/at the beginning = co1 co1 (初初) / co1 tau4 (初頭) at first/earliest = zeoi3 co1 (最初) opportunity/chance/prospect = gei1 wui6 (機會) or (question) / decide = ding6 (hai6) (定(係)) or (statement) = waak6 ze2 (或者) order = giu3 (叫) / hoi1 zo2 (開咗) to have stepped out for a moment/to have just gone out = haang4 hoi1 zo2 (行開咗) ordinary = pou2 tung1 (普通) originally = bun2 loi4 (本來) jyun4 loi4 (原來) = originally/actually/as it turns out/original/former jyun4 (原) = [adj] original/initial/primary [n] open country/plain/steppe / [v] excuse/pardon/forgive other = kei4 taa1 (其他) out/issue = ceot1 (出) attend = ceot1 zik6 (出席) zik6 (席) = seat/place/feast/banquet/dinner/post/office/job / [classifier] table/dinner/course out of stock = mou5 fo3 (冇貨) overtime = gaa1 baan1 (加班) P package/packet = baau1 (包) (bun, to wrap, pack) (zong1 (裝)) parcel = baau1 gwo2 (包裹) pack/package = baau1 zong1 (包裝) [n] wrapper = baau1 zong1 zi2 (包裝紙) encase/wrapped around = baau1 zyu6 (包住) hap6 zong1 (盒裝) = box-packed baau1 kut3 (包括) = to include/including kut3 (括) = [v] include/comprise/embrace/enclose with brackets/draw together/bound/tie gwaat3 (括) = [adj] stiff and smooth pair = deoi3 (對) (also opposite/face towards) pile = deoi1 (堆) deoi6 (隊) = [n] line/queue/row/file/team/group/squad / Cantonese only [v] variant of deoi2 (㨃) gwan1 deoi6 (軍隊) = army troops/the military gwan1 (軍) = [n] army/military/soldiers/troops/forces/of national defence/armed service / corps (a military unit) panic = ging1 fong1 (驚慌) ging1/geng1 (驚) = [v] frighten/surprise/startle / [adj] scary/surprised/startled fong1 (慌) = panicky/flustered/flurried/confused / (used after dak1 (得) as a complement)/unbearable paint (noun) = jau4 cat1 (油漆) paint (verb) = jau4 (油) paint / draw = waak6 waa2 (畫畫) page = jip6 (頁) paper = zi2 (紙) (measure word zoeng1 (張) - this is the measure word of anything with which the surface is mainly used) shredded = seoi3 (碎) confetti = zi2 seoi3 (紙碎) minced pork = zyu1 seoi3 (豬碎) tissue = zi2 gan1 (紙巾) (paper cloth) toilet paper = ci3 zi2 (廁紙) (toilet paper) tear/pull = ce2 (扯) (Canto only) [v] leave/return/pull/haul/drag/tear/rip/rend/chat/gossip/digress = ce2 (扯) ce2 kei4 = raising a flag (扯旗) participate/join/take part in/attend = caam1 gaa1 (參加) (join add) caam1 (參) = [v] join/enter/take part in/refer/consult/search into/call on/pay respects/visit/impeach/censure / [adj] uneven/irregular/not uniform sam1 (參) = [n] one of the 28 constellations/ginseng / [loanword] ransom caam1 coi3 ze2 (參賽者) = competitor/contestant party = party passport = wu6 ziu3 (護照) wu6 (護) = [v] protect/guard/defend/shelter/shield/take sides/be partial to paste = tip3 (貼) pay = gaau1 (交) pen = bat1 (筆) (zi1 (枝) - classifier - long obj, not bendable) bat1 (筆) = pen/pencil/writing brush/write/stroke/touch/handwriting/technique of writing/calligraphy, drawing or painting / [classifier] sum/amount (of money, loan. debt) / [classifier] deal (of business, transaction) pencil = jyun4 bat1 (鉛筆) jyun4 (鉛) = [metal] lead (Pb) percent = ? sing4 (成) (multiples of 10%) or (out of) fan6 zi1 (分之) ? 10% = jat1 sing4 90% = gau2 sing4 10% off = gau2 sing4 (90% actually pay) 5% = bun3 sing4 ? (out of) = fan6 zi1 (分之) 80% = (100 fan6 zi1 (分之) 80) baak3 fan6 zi1 baat3 sap6 (百分之八十) 1/3 = (out of 3 fan6 zi1 1) saam1* fan6 zi1 jat1 (三分之一) fan6 (分) = portion/part/share / [classifier] portion of food, gift, etc/copy of document, newspapers, etc / [suffix] unit (used after province/month, etc) / variant of fan1 (分) when also pronounced as fan6 or above = waak6 ji5 soeng6 (或以上) person (people/human being/everybody/each/all/grown-up/adult/manhood/persons of a certain kind/a person's character/reputation, etc/a person's physical or mental condition/manpower/staff/human resources) = jan4 (人) personality/temperament = sing3 gaak3 (性格) easy going = ping4 ji6 gan6 (平易近) / ji6 waa6 wai4 (易話為) + jan4 (person) patience = patience (tolerance / noun) = jan2 loi6 (忍耐) noi6 sing3 (耐性) = patience (less negative) able to endure/bear/stand/resist/long period of time = noi6 (耐) nature/character/natural property/disposition/temper/a quality or property/sex = sing3 (性) jan2 (忍) = tolerate patience (adjective) = noi6 sam1 (耐心) emotional/sentimental = cing4 seoi5 faa3 (情緒化) seon4 seoi5 (純粹) = purely/sheerly/completely/pure/unadulterated/genuine seon4 純 = pure/unmixed/unadulterated/purely/entirely/completely/skilful/practised/well versed seoi5 粹 = [adj] pure/unmixed/unadulterated / [n] essence/essential quality style of doing something = fung1 gaak3 (風格) personally + verb = can1 san1 (親身) + verb parent/relative/ [adj] of blood relation; biological/intimate/in favour of/pro-/ [adv] personally/in person/ marriage/match = can1 (身) phone = din6 waa2 (電話) he did not pick up the phone on purpose = keoi5 m4 teng1 din6 waa2 (佢唔聽電話) he did not pick up = keoi5 mou5 teng1 din6 waa2 (佢冇聽電話) sau1 sin3 (收線) = to hang up photo = soeng2 (相) (soeng3 pin2) (相片) take photo = jing2 soeng2 (影相) place = (dei6) fong1 ((地)方) (gaan1 (间) measure word if have walls but not tall buildings which is zo6 lau4 (座樓) otherwise go3 (個)) (related to place itself) / dei6 dim2 (地點) (where the place is) zip3 doi6 cyu3 (接待處) = reception sau1 ngan2 cyu3 (收銀處) = checkout place + verb = verb happening in the place verb + place = verb happening before coming to the place bank = ngaan4 hong4 (銀行) deposit = cyun4 cin2 (存錢) take out / withdraw = lo2 (攞錢) take back = lo2 faan1 (攞返) bar = zau2 baa1 (酒吧) basement = dei6 haa6 (地下) / dei6 fu3 (地庫) fu6 (負) = negative hell = dei6 fu2 (地府) bathroom = sai2 sau2 gaan1 (洗手間) bookstore = syu1 dim3 (書店) Bermuda Triangle = baak3 mou6 daat6 Boundary Street = gaai3 haan4 gaai1 (界限街) canal = wan6 ho4 (運河) city = sing4 si5 (城市) sing4 (城) = city/town/(city) wall/castle/large commercial centre si5 (市) = [n] market/fair/marketplace/city/metropolis/municipality [v] trade/buy or sell/deal in [adj] pertaining to traditional Chinese system of weights and measures town = zan3 (镇) capital city = sau2 dou1 (首都) coast = hoi2 ngon6 (sea shore) / ngon6 bin1 inland = noi6 luk6 land = luk6 dei6 indoor = sat1 noi6 outdoor = sat1 ngoi6 (室外) (room outside) storeroom = cyu5 cong4/mat6 sat1 (貯藏/物室) (keep stuff room) / si6 do1 fong4 (士多房) cong4 (藏) = [v] hide/conceal/keep out of sight/store/deposit/put in storage / [n] reserves/deposits/collection [粵] zong6 (藏) = [n] storehouse/storing place/depository/Buddhist/Taoist scriptures / [n, adj] Tibet/Tibetan bathroom = juk6 sat1 (浴室) / sai2 sau2 gaan1/ ci3 so2 (廁所) bath (literary) = muk6 juk6 (沐浴) bedroom = ngo6 sat1 (臥室) (lie down room) sea = hoi2 / hoi2 joeng4 (海洋) - ocean joeng4 (洋) = [n] ocean/vast sea / [adj] foreign/Western/vast/multitudinous sand/grit/tiny gravel/sth resembling sand/sth granular or powdery/utensils made of sand or pottery clay / [adj] (of voice) hoarse/husky = saa1 (沙) seabed = hoi2 dai2 (海底) bottom = dai2 (底) hoi2 dai2 sai3 gaai3 = world under the sea (sea bottom world) (海底世界) countryside/country park = gaau1 je5 (郊野) (gung1 jyun4/2) (公園) gaau1 (郊) = suburbs/outskirts je5 (野) = [n] open country/wilderness/countryside/not being in power/being out of office/limit/boundary/sphere / [adj] uncultivated/undomesticated/untamed/rude/rough/unrestrained rural area = gaau1 keoi1 (郊區) keoi1 (區) = area/district/region/zone / [v] distinguish/discriminate/few/little urban area = si5 keoi1 (市區) surburb = si5 gaau1 (郊區) car park = ting4 ce1 coeng4 (停車場) park (car) = paak3 (泊) cinema = hei3 jyun2 (coeng4) (戲院(場)) clock tower = zung1 lau4 (鐘樓) desert shop = tong4 seoi2 pou2 (糖水舖) firestation = siu1 fong4 zaam6/guk6 (消防站/局) fruit stall = saang1 gwo2 dong3 (生果檔) dong3 (檔) = shelves for files/filing cabinet/crosspiece (of a bed, table, etc)/grade/class/level/stall/stand/kiosk dong2 (檔) = files/archives/folders ground (level) = dei6 (haa2) (地(下)) gym = wan6 dung6 jyun4 (運動員) hairdresser = faat3 long4 (髮廊) long4 (廊) = corridor/hallway/porch/saloon/gallery zau2 long2(4) (走廊) = hallway/corridor barber = fei1 faat3 pou2 (飛髮舖) hospital = ji1 jyun2 (醫院) jyun2/6 (院) = courtyard/yard/compound/designation for certain government offices and public places/college/institution/hospital be hospitalised = jap6 (zo2) ji1 jyun2 (入(咗)醫院) North District hospital = bak1 keoi1 ji1 jyun1 ambulance = gau3 wu6 ce1 (救護車) gau3 (救) = rescue/save/salvage/relieve/help/aid clinic = can2 so2 (診所) hotel = zau2 dim3 (酒店) house = uk1 (gaan1) (屋(間)) library = tou4 syu1 gun2 (圖書館) local = bun2 dei6 (本地) ngoi6 dei6 (外地) = non-local mall = soeng1 coeng4 (商場) middle/centre = zung1 sam1 (中心) MTR = dei3 tit3 (地鐵) office = office (general) = se2 zi6 lau4 (寫字樓) se2 (寫) = write (with brush, pen, etc)/draw/paint/sketch/compose (a literary or musical work)/describe/depict (with words) zi6 (字) = word/letter/character/word/glyph/betroth a girl/name or style taken at the age of 20/by which one was sometimes called/Chinese character with more than one component lau4 (樓) = multi-storey building/floor/level (of a building)/arch way/tower office (private & probably most common) = baan6 gung1 sat1 (辦公室) sat1 (室) = room/home/house/chamber/apartment/wife office (public/govt) = baan6 si6 cyu3 (辦事處) cyu3 (處) = place/location/spot/department/section/office/quality/feature/point park = gung1 jyun4/2 (公園) gung1 gung6 (公共) = [adj] public gung6 (共) = [adj] common/general/same / [adv] altogether/in all/in total/together/jointly/in company / [n] short for Communist Party gung1 (公) = public/common/international/impartial gung1 laap6 hok6 haau6 (公立學校) = publicly established/government school laap6 (立) = stand/be on one's feet/erect/establish/set up/upright/vertical/standing/appoint/designate/enthrone/exist/live/be present/immediately/instantaneously private school = si1 laap6 hok6 haau6 (私立學校) si1 (私) = private/personal/person-to-person/secret/clandestine/have illicit relations or an affair with/contraband/prejudice/biased/favor/selfish/selfishly/reproductive organs of both sexes si1 jan4 (私人) = private si1 jan2 (私隱) = privacy/individual's private life/secret si1 (詩) = poetry/poem/verse/ode/poetic/anything or quality as an offspring of pure imagination/short for the Book of Odes edited by Confucius poet = si1 jan4 (詩人) si1 go1 = poem (詩歌) ci5 si1 gam2 ge3 (似詩噉嘅) = poetic garden/park = jyun4 (園) zoo = dung6 mat6 jyun4 (動物園) pharmacy = joek6 fong4 (藥房) post office = jau4 guk2 (郵局) jau4 (郵) = [v] mail/post/remit / [n] postal/mail/postage stamp air mail = hung1 jau4 (空郵) / hong4 hung1 jau4 gin62 (航空郵件) seon3 = letter (信) envelope = (seon3) fung1 ((信)封) fung1 (封) = classifier for envelope/seal letter = fung1 seon3 (封信) (fung1 classifier for envelope/seal) postcard = ming4 seon3 pin2 (明信片) business card = kaat1 pin2 (卡片) receive = sau1 (收) send = gei3 (寄) stamp = jau4 piu3 (郵票) restaurant = restaurant (big & connotation is Chinese) = zau2 lau4 (酒樓) Chinese restaurant = (zung1 sik1) zau2 lau4 ((棕色) 酒樓) small restaurant = caan1 teng1 (餐廳) fast food restaurant = faai3 caan1 dim3 (快餐店) HK style cafe = caa4 caan1 teng1 (茶餐廳) set meal = tou3 caan1 (套餐) the main dish/the main course, as opposed to side dishes/starters/desserts etc. = zyu2 sik6 (主食) school = hok6 haau6 (學校) haau6 se3 (校舍) = school building se3 (舍) = [n] house/dwelling; dormitory / [pron] my - used in a self-deprecating manner before a place or younger relative / an ancient unit of distance, equal to 30 li canteen = sik6 tong4 (食堂) college = hok6 jyun2 (學院) classroom = baan1 fong2 (班房) / fo3 sat1 (課室 measure word gaan1 (间)) / gaau3 sat1 (教室) fo3 (課) = [n] class/lesson/course/session/section/subdivision/unit/session at divination / [v] levy/collect/impose (tax, tribute) supermarket = ciu1 kap1 si5 coeng4 (超級市場) traffic lights = dang1 wai2 (燈位) Park n Shop = baak3 gaai1 (百佳) Theme park = zyu2 tai4 gung1 jyun2 (主題公園) Disney = dik6 si6 lei4 (迪士尼) Wellcome = wai6 hong1 (惠康) plastic/rubber/glue/gum/adhesive / [adj] sticky/gluey/gummy / [v] stick with glue/adhere = gaau1 (膠) plate = dip2 (碟) play = waan2 (玩) please = m4 goi1 (唔該) plus (...+ number of) = ... gei2 go3 (幾個) policeman = ging2 caat3 (警察) / caai1 jan4 (差人) poo = si2 (屎) possess = ge3 (嘅) subject's ... = subject + ge3 (嘅) + ... but subject + classifier + .... is preferred used between first 2 adjectives (but only 1st 2) e.g. I saw an ugly blue sport car = ngo5 tai2 dou2 cau2 joeng2 ge3 laam4 sik1 paau2 ce1 (我睇到醜樣嘅藍色跑車) object's ... = object + ge3 (嘅) + ... (can also use dei6 if something belongs to a place) dik1 (的) = [dik1 & de5] possessive/adjectival suffix / final particle / [dik1 & di2] truly/really/indeed / [dik1 & di4] bull's eye/target / [dik1] lift up/few/small position = wai6 zi3 (位置) praise = zung6 (頌) prediction = jyu6 cak1 (預測) pregnant = jau5 zo2 (有咗) prepare = zeon2 bei6 (準備) / jyu6 bei6 (預備) zeon2 (準) = [n] standard/criterion/norm / [adj] accurate/exact/precise/quasi-/would-be/partly / [adv] definitely/certainly/surely / [prep] according to/in accordance with bei6 (備) = [n] sense of completeness/perfection / [v] be equipped with/get ready/prepare against / fully/in every possible way press = gam6 (㩒) problem / question = man6 tai4 (問題) [v] ask/inquire/ask about/inquire after/interrogate/examine/hold responsible = man6 (問) [n] subject/title/topic/theme/question/problem/exercise assignment / [v] inscribe/sign/write = tai4 (題) man6 ge3 man6 tai4 (問嘅問題) = specifies a question as man6 tai4 (問題) can mean a question/problem. [v] answer/reply/respond/reciprocate/return/repay = daap3 (答) [n] answer = daap3 on3 (答案) special topic or subject matter = zyun1 tai4 (專題) [adj] specialised/exclusive/particular / [v] monopolize/take sole possession = zyun1 (專) zyun1 tai4 bou3 gou3 = project (專題佈告) zyun1 sam1 (專心) = concentration/absorption/concentrate/engrossed zyun1 jip6 (專業) = profession/professional/college major no problem = mou5 man6 tai4 (冇問題) mou5 gai2 (冇計) / mou5 baan6 faat3 (冇辦法/無辦法) / mou4 faat3 (無法) / mut6 faat3 (沒法) / mut6 baan6 faat3 (沒辦法) / mut6 jau5 baan6 faat3 (沒有辦法) = no alternative/choice/no way out/no solution mou5 gai3 (冇計) / mou5 so2 wai6 (冇所謂) / bat1 gai3 gaau3 (不計較) / bat1 wui5 gai3 gaau3 (不會計較) = no problem/give no thought to/don't bother with Question Structures = Question Structure 1 = subject + verb + m4 (唔) + same verb + verb +/subject aa3? Question Structure 2 = subject + verb + zo2 (咗) (+ subject) + mei6 aa3 (未呀)? Question Structure 3 = subject + jau5 mou5 (有冇) + verb (+ subject) + aa3 (呀) ? solve / to resolve = gaai2 kyut3 (解決) solution = gaai2 kyut3 baan6 faat3 (解決辦法) profession/indusrry = hong4 (行) admin staff = zik1 jyun4 (職員) zik1 (職) = duty/job/post/position jyun4 (員) = personnel/staff/member of an organization/classifier for soldiers, etc wui2 jyun4 (會員) = member (formal) jat1 fan6 zi2 (一份子) = member (informal/part of rather than full on "member") employee = gu3 jyun4 (僱員) gu3 (僱) = hire/employ/engage employer = gu3 zyu2 (僱主) civil/public servant = gung1 mou6 jyun4 (公務員) courier = cuk1 dai6 (速遞) cuk1 (速) = fast/quick/rapid/speedy/speed/velocity/invite/court dai6 (遞) = hand over/forward/deliver/successively/in the proper order expert = gou1 sau2 (高手) farmer = nung4 fu1 (農夫) crop = nung4 zok3 mat6 (農作物) / zong1 gaa3 (莊稼) zong1 (莊) = [n] village/manor/place of business/banker (in a gambling game) / [adj] serious/grave/solemn gaa3 (稼) = [v] sow/farm/cultivate / [n] cereals/crops/grain fertilizer = fei4 liu2 (肥料) plough = co4 (鋤) fireman = siu1 fong4 jyun4 (消防員) fire engine = fo2 zuk1 ce1 (火燭車) lawyer = leot6 si1 (律師) to violate the law = faan6 faat3 (犯法) faan6 (犯) = [v] offend/violate/go against/invade/attack/encroach on/suffer recurrence of (illness, bad habit, etc) / [n] criminal/convict/culprit faat3 (法) = institution/law/rules/regulations/statute/legal/methods/ways of doing things/pattern/model after/the way/doctrines (Buddhism)/tricks/magic arts/expert or standard (calligraphy, painting, etc.)/penalty/punishment leot6 (律) = statute/law/regulation/rule/bind by law/control or restrain/discipline/a series of standard bamboo tuning pitch pipes used in ancient music/a form in Chinese poetry - a stanza of eight lines law = faat3 leot6 (法律) leader = ling5 zau6 (領袖) chief ex. of Hong Kong = hoeng1 gong2 dak6 sau2 (香港特首) dak6 = leader (特) sau2 (首) = the head/the first/beginning / [n] king/emperor/leader/chief/a numerical classifier for poems, songs head of state = jyun4 sau2 (元首) lam4 zeng6 jyut6 ngo4 = Carrie Lam king = wong4 dai3 (王帝) wong4 (王) = [n] king/monarch/ruler/duke/prince/head of a gang/largest, best or strongest of its kind royal family = wong4 sat1 (皇室) / wong4 gaa1 (皇家) sat1 (室) = [n] room/home/house/chamber/apartment/wife queen = neoi5 wong4 (女皇) - actually queen / wong4 hau6 (皇后) - if only wife of king wong6 (王) = [v] [archaic] govern/rule dai3 (帝) = emperor/supreme ruler/god/supreme being/deified being/imperial/imperialism nurse = wu6 si6 (護士) si6 (士) = commendable person/scholar/person trained in a certain field/soldier/noncommissioned officer policeman = ging2 caat3 (警察) / caai1 jan4 (差人) / caai1 lou2 (差佬) ging2 (警) = [v] guard/watch/keep watch/alert/warn / [n] alarm / quick/alert/agile/the police caat3 (察) = [v] examine/investigate/notice/observe/survey/study/scrutinise inferior/difference/mistake/errand = caai1 (差) guy = lou2 (佬) police station = caai1 gun2 / ging2 guk2 guk6(2) = [n] bureau/office/department//set/chessboard/situation/position/state of affairs/party/gathering/get-together/ruse/trap/trick/part/portion/partial / [adj] constrained/confined/narrow to seize/arrest/apprehend = zuk1 naa4 (捉拿) zuk1 / zuk3 (捉) = grasp/seize hold of/clutch/catch/capture/apprehend/arrest naa4 (拿) = [v] take/hold in one's hand/grasp/with/arrest/apprehend/capture/use/employ (a method, device, etc)/to be confirmed or restrained / [interjection] there!/look!/here!/there it is! {also written naa4 嗱) to be in prison/jail (lit., "to sit in jail") = co5 gaam1 (坐監) - more Cantonese and formal written Chinese gaam1 (監) = [v] supervise/inspect/watch/put in jail/take into custody/compel/coerce/force / [n] prison/jail prison = gaam1 juk6 (監獄) juk6 (獄) = prison/jail / (criminal) case/lawsuit postman = jau4 caai1 (郵差) salesperson = sau6 fo3 jyun4 (售貨員) security = sek6 kiu1 (loanword) / bou2 on1 (ensure public security/ensure safety for workers engaged in production) bou2 (保) = [v] protect/guard/safeguard/shelter/defend/be responsible/guarantee/insure/care for/keep/maintain/stand guarantor or surety for someone / [n] waiter/tender bou2 wu6 = protect bou2 zung6 (保重) = take care of yourself (e. g. when saying goodbye) sau2 (守) = [v] guard/defend/garrison/look after/keep watch/observe/abide by/adhere to/remain/maintain/hold to teacher = lou5 si1 (老師) / gaau3 si1 (教師) si1 (師) = [n] teacher/master/tutor/specialist (especially of medicine/painting/music/divining, etc.)/division in the Chinese army/army/model/example / [v] teach/pattern/model after/local administrative chief traffic policeman = gaau1 tung1 ging2 jyun4 / gaau1 tung1 caai1 [adj] through/unobstructed/smooth / [v] notify/communicate/reach / [adj] / [v,n] know/understand/expert / [adj] well-constructed/logical/coherent / [measure] {for letters, phonecalls, etc) / [v] open up/clear out/unblock = tung1 (通) waiter = si6 jing3 (sang1) (侍應(生)) si6 (侍) = wait upon/attend on/serve proud = cyun3 (寸) prove identity = zing3 ming4 (證明) pure (nothing else) = cing1 (清) push = teoi1 (推) / ung2 (㧬) teoi1 (推) = push/shove/thrust/promote/advance/push forward/elect/recommend/praise highly/decline/reject/refuse/postpone/delay/put off push away = ung2 hoi1 (㧬開) put = put down/release = fong3 (放) put in ... = fong3 ... jap6 heoi3 (放...入去) put (on) = fong3 dai1 (hai2) (放低(喺)) put in place = baai2 hai2 (擺喺) Q (high) quality = (gou1) zat1 sou3 ((高)質素) quarantine = gaak3 lei4 (隔離) queue = deoi2 (隊) queue up = paai4 deoi2 paai4 (排) = [v] put in order/arrange/line up/discharge/eject/remove/push/rehearse/drill / [n] row/line/rank/order/military platoon/raft made of wood or bamboo deoi2 (隊) = Cantonese only [v] variant of deoi2 (㨃) - poke/nudge/push/stretch out/pass the buck/hand over to / [synonym] teoi1 (推) / prop up/support / [synonym] caang1/3 (撐) / urge/goad/incite/knock against/collide/challenge against sb in wine drinking caang1 (撐) = prop up/support/brace/punt/move (a boat/raft) with a pole/prop open/unfurl/unfold/spread caang3 (撐) = back up/keep up/put up with/maintain quiet = (on1) zing6 ((安)靜) noisy = hou2 cou4 (好嘈) quit = gaai3 (戒) quite = gei2 (幾) quite a lot = gei2 do1 (幾多) quite good = m4 co3 (唔錯) / gei2 hou2 (幾好) R radiate = faat3 (發) radio = sau1 jam1 gei1 (收音機) react/reaction = faan2 jing3 (反應) (opposite should from jing1 goi1 (應該)) receipt = daan1 (單) / faat3 piu3 (發票) receive = sau1 (收) [v] draw together/gather/collect/contain/receive/accept/take/end/come to a close/retrieve/take back/put away = sau1 (收) mut6 sau1 (沒收) = to confiscate not have/be without/there is not/be less/fewer than/be inferior to/sink/submerge/be drowned/overflow/rise beyond/confiscate/take possession of/disappear/hide/go into oblivion/come to an end/die = mut6 (沒) recently = zeoi3 gan6 (最近) recover = hou2 faan1 (好番) refuse/reject = keoi5 zyut6 (拒絕) keoi5 (拒) = resis/ repel/ward off/refuse/reject/decline zyut6 (絕) = [v] cut/break off/sever/exhaust/use up/finish/cease breathing/die/terminate / [adj] superb/matchless/peerless/desperate/hopeless/dead end / [adv] extremely/absolutely/most regarded/conduct/deed/action/to accomplish/to do something worthwhile/to regard/to look upon = zok3 wai4 (作為) [v] make/work/engage in an activity/regard as/take sb/sth for/rise/grow/stand up/pretend/feign/affect / [v,n] write/compose/writings / Cantonese only [v] seize/rob/blackmail/fabricate/cook up/embellish = zok3 (作) zok3 gaa3 zaa3 (作呀咋) = to create from nothing / just did it zok3 gaa1 (作家) = writer [v] do/act/go ahead with/serve as/act as/become/be/is/be equivalent to / [prep] be...by (indicating passive voice) / [suffix] used after an adjective to form an adverb / [suffix] used after an adverb for emphasis = wai4 (為) [prep] for/on behalf of/on account of = wai6 (為) ... wai4 (為) ... ji4 (而) ... = .... for .... did .... e.g. Jesus dies for us = je4 sou1 wai4 ngo5 dei6 ji4 sei2 (耶穌為我等而死) relax = fong3 sung1 (放鬆) laid back relaxed attitude = taa1 tiu4 (他條) taa1/4 (他) = other/another/different/elsewhere/future/he/she/him/her tiu4 (條) = long narrow piece remember = gei3 (dak1) (記(得)) gei3 (記) = [v] keep in mind/remember/call to mind/bear in mind / [v] record/register/a book recording persons, anecdotes, etc. / seals/chops [n] sign/mark sei2 gei3 (死記) = memorisation/cram/rote learning (bat1) gei3 = note down ((筆)得) want to remember = soeng2 gei3 (想得) slip my mind/without intention = m4 gok3 ji3 (唔覺意) remember wrongly = gei3 co3 (記錯) / gei3 m4 cing1 co2 (記唔清楚) m4 cing1 co2 ge3 (唔清楚嘅) = unintelligible remind/to make aware/to inform = tai4 seng2 (提醒) carry sth with the arm hanging down/lift/raise/promote/elevate/propose/move up a date/mention/bring up/refer to/withdraw/take out/extract/summon (a prisoner) for interrogation/rising stroke in Chinese characters = tai4 (提) wake up/sober up/come round/come to understand/become aware/clear (in mind)/striking/eye-catching/clever/smart/showing initiative/give (guidance, money, a slap)/present (award) = seng2 (醒) gei3 jik1 lik6 (記憶力) = memory capability mong4 (忘) = forget/overlook/neglect naan4 mong4 (難忘) = unforgettable/memorable ling6 jan4 naan4 mong4 (令人難忘) = unforgettable (because sth is extraordinary, impressive, astounding) mong4 jan1 fu6 ji6 (忘恩負義) = ungrateful jan1 (恩) = kindness/mercy/charity/favor/grace/gratitude) fu6 (負) = carry (on the back)/shoulder/bear/lose/loss/be defeated/suffer (injury)/owe (debt)/enjoy (fame)/be proud and complacent/have at one's back/rely on/betray/breach/let sb down/load/responsibility/task/minus/negative to forget = mong4 gei3 (忘記) gin6 mong4 zing3 (健忘症) = amnesia/memory loss bat1 mong4 dik1 (不忘的) = mindful wai4 mong4 (遺忘) = forget wai4 (遺) = [v] lose/omit/slip over/leave behind/hand down/bequeath / (involuntarily) emit/excrete / [n] sth lost/remnants/leftovers mong4 diu6 (忘掉) = unlearn daam6 mong4 (淡忘) = to fade from memory plagued with anxiety (lit., "losing sleep and forgetting to eat") = fai3 cam2 mong4 caan1 (廢寢忘餐) / fai3 cam2 mong4 sik6 (廢寢忘食) / fai3 zam2 mong4 caan1 (廢枕忘餐) cam2 (寢) = [v] sleep/rest / [n] bedroom/coffin chamber / [v] stop/end mong4 cing4 (忘情) = be unruffled by emotion/be unmoved/be indifferent mong4 jing4 (忘形) = be beside oneself (with glee, etc.)/have one's head turned gin6 mong4 (健忘) = forgetful sin6 mong4 (善忘) = forgetful/easy to forget sin6 (善) = good/virtuous/charitable/kind/goodness/virtue/good deeds/benevolent actions / [v] be good at/be skilled in/perfect/make a success of/remedy/relieve / properly gwo3 muk6 bat1 mong4 (過目不忘) = to have a great memory/to not forget stuff that has passed by one's eyes lok6 ji4 mong4 faan2 (樂而忘返) = be so enraptured that one forget\'s to go home gin3 lei6 mong4 ji6 (見利忘義) = to see profit and forget morality mut6 ci2 naan4 mong4 (沒齒難忘) = remember forever/not forget till death mut6 sai3 bat1 mong4 (沒世不忘) = never to forget/never be forgotten remote (control) = jiu4 hung3 (distant control) (遙控) jiu4 (遙) = distant (in space or time)/remote/far hung3 (控) = control/dominate/command/accuse/charge/sue/draw a bow hung3 zai3 (控制) = to control/to be in control/to take charge/to be in command zai3 (制) = [v] establish/institute/set up/prevail/overpower/control / [n] system / used before the signature in letter writing to indicate the writer is in mourning renew = zuk6 kei4 (續期) rent = zou1 (租) rent out ... = zou1 ... bei2 jan4/ceot1 heoi3 (租...畀人/出去) repair = sau1 lei5 (repair logic) (修理) repairman = sau1 lei5 gung1 (修理工) sau1 (修) = [v] decorate/embellish/adorn/repair/mend/fix/build/construct/erect/write/compile/compose/study/cultivate/take (a course)/trim/prune/mow / [adj] long/tall and slender reported speech = waa6 (話) request = jiu1 kau4 (要求) kau4 (求) = request/ask/beg/implore/seek/pursue/strive for/demand/require/desire zeoi1 kau4 (追求) = to pursue/to seek (a goal etc.) kung4 zeoi1 (窮追) = to be in hot pursuit/to vigorously pursue reserve = deng6 (訂) residence permit = geoi1 zyu6 zing3 (居住證) resources = zi1 jyun4 (資源) / mat6 zi1 (物資) (goods/material/goods and materials) / coi4 liu2 (材料) (materials) / mat6 liu2 (物料) (material/supplies) coi4 (材) = materials, especially timber for building houses, furniture, etc./material in its broadest sense/ability/talent/aptitude/coffin/properties of a substance liu6 (料) = [v] anticipate/expect/suppose/deal with/attend to/take care of liu2 (料) = [n] material/stuff/data/feed/fodder/manure responsibility = zaak3 jam6 (責任) zaak3 (責) = duty/responsibility/obligation / [v] demand/require/instruct / reproach/blame/reprove/question closely/interrogate/press steadily/hold/weigh sth down by placing a heavy object on top rest = jau1 sik1 (休息) / tau2 (㪗) jau1 (休) = rest/happiness/joy/off / [v] rest/stop/cease/give up/retire / do not (followed by verb) sik1 (息) = [n] breath/snore/pant/news/information/message/rest/pause/recess/interest/payback/income / [v] cease/stop/suspend/multiply/breed/grow tau2 (㪗) = unwrap (a parcel)/unroll (a scroll)/rest/catch one's breath / [variant] of tau2 唞=rest/catch one's breath pass time idly/hang out/dispirited/decadent/dissipated/muddle/disarrange/make a mess of = he3 (��) restriction = haan6 zai3 (限制) haan6 (限) = [n] boundary/limit/line/doorsill/threshold/limits/restriction / [v] limit/restrict/specify/fix zai3 (制) = [v] establish/set up/prevail/overpower/control / [n] system / used before the signature in letter writing to indicate the writer is in mourning speed limit = cuk1 dou6 haan6 zai3 (速度限制) speed = cuk1 dou6 (速度) fast/quick/rapid/speedy/speed/velocity/invite/court = cuk1 (速) dou6 (度) = [n] measure/degree/level/limit/rules/system/code of conduct/(of frequency) time/occasion/here/there/where / classifier for door, bridge, etc dok6 (度) = [v] take measurement/calculate/estimate/guess/surmise/ask for a loan/borrow money Cantonese only dou2 (度) = [adv] roughly/approximately/almost restriction = haan6 zai3 (限制) quota = haan6 ngaak2 (限額) forehead/frontal/specified number/amount/quota/horizontal inscribed board/placard/top part of sth = ngaak6(2) (額) result/performance (academic) = sing4 zik1 (成績) sing4 (成) = [v] succeed/accomplish/complete/amount to (a considerable number)/grow; develop; become; turn into [n] achievement/result/success [n] one tenth/10 per cent / [adj] whole/full / [adv] almost/nearly / [adj] acceptable/all right/okay/capable/able/terrific sing4 wai4 (成為) = to become/to turn into zik1 (績) = achievement/accomplishment/merit sing4 zau6 (成就) = achievement/accomplishment/success gou1 fan1 (高分) = high mark jau1 ji6 (優異) = exceptional jau1 (優) = good/superior/excellent/abundant/plenty/players (as in an opera)/actor/victory/winning/soft/ (Cantonese) pull ji6 (異) = [adj] different/variant/unusual/strange/foreign / [v] surprise/marvel/wonder/separate/come apart/part academic report = sing4 zik1 biu2 (成績表) biu2 (表) = [n] form/table/list/chart/surface/outside/external/relatives on the side of mother's siblings or father's sisters / [v] show/express/manifest lit6 biu2 (列表) = to list/to chart lit6 (列) = [v] arrange/put in order/enumerate / [n, classifier] (horizontal) row/line/queue / [related term] 行 (vertical) column / [pron] all/each and everyone / [n] category/sort/kind biu2 jin2 (表演) = to perform/performance academic report comments = sing4 zik1 ping4 jyu5 (成績評語) sing4 gung1 (成功) = (n.) success / (v.) to succeed gung1 (功) = merit/meritorious service/achievement/effect/success/result/usefulness/skill/technique/workmanship to achieve/get/attain = dak1 dou2 (得到) (get arrive) return = faan1 lai4 / zyun3 tau4 (返嚟 /返嚟) faan1 / faan2 (返) = return/come/go back/restore reunion dinner = tyun4 nin4 faan6 (團年飯) [adj] round/circular / [v] assemble/gather/rally / [n, classifier] ball/ball-shaped thing / [n] group/society/organization/regiment/ranking between division and battalion = tyun4 (團) revision = wan1 syu1 (溫書) rice (cooked) = faan6 (飯) rice (uncooked) = mai5 (禾) Things (not desired) happened already, cannot stop it (between a man and a woman) raw rice is cooked to cooked rice = saang1 mai5 zyu2 seng4/sing4 suk6 faan6 (生米都煮成熟飯) mai5 (禾) = [n] grain still on its stalk/rice plant/rice crop suk6 (熟) = (of food) cooked/done / (of fruit) ripe/mature / (of materials) processed / familiar/well acquainted/skilled/experienced/deep/thorough gin3 san1 juk1 m4 gin3 mai5 baak6 (見身郁唔見米白) = pretending to be hard at work that yields no good result rice crop = seoi2 dou6 (水稻) raise = toi4 hei2 (抬起) hei2 san1 (起身) = raise body (get up) lift up = geoi2 hei2 (舉起) geoi2 (舉) = raise/lift/recommend/commend/praise/manner/deportment hei2 (起) = rise/stand up/get up/begin/start/appear/build/establish/set up/remove/extract/pull out/draft/draw up/work out//receive/get/case/instance/up/up to a certain standard to conduct/to hold = geoi2 baan6 (舉辦) baan6 (辦) = [v] manage/handle/deal with/attend to/transact/try and punish/purchase (to) rob = coeng2 gip3 (搶劫) / daa2 gip3 (打劫) coeng2 (搶) = snatch/take violently/grab/rob/loot/plunder/vie for/compete for/scramble for/rush/make haste/lose no time/scrape/scratch/sharpen coeng1 (搶) = bump against/knock/strike/go in opposite direction/go against gip3 (劫) = rob/plunder/hijack/coerce/compel/calamity/sufferings/disaster [v] roll up/curl/furl/sweep off/carry along/whirl/embroil/involve/get involved / [n] roll (food)/cylindrical-shaped object / [classifier] roll/coil/reel/spool = gyun2 (捲) root = gan1 (根) rubbish = laap6 saap3 (垃圾) rude = mou5 lai4 maau6 (冇禮貌) run = paau2 bou6 (跑步) rush + verb = gon2 si4 gaan3 (趕時間) + verb gon2 zyu6 (趕住) + verb = in a rush to + verb gon2 zyu6 heoi3 tau4 toi1 (趕住去投胎) = "are you rushing to reincarnate?" said along the lines of "what's the hurry?" toi1 (胎) = foetus/embryo/womb/birth/padding/stuffing/roughcast / [loanword] tyre S safe = on1 cyun4 (安全) on1 (安) = [adj] peaceful/quiet/stable / [v] stabilize/pacify/console/install/fit/settle down/fabricate/concoct/ascribe / [adv] [literary] where/how/why using times of safety to prepare for danger (stay safe think danger) = geoi1 on1 si1 ngai4 (居安思危) to live at/dwell/reside/inhabit/occupy/abode/a residence/an house/dwelling/stay put/be at standstill = geoi1 (居) think/consider/deliberate/long for/miss/think of/train of thought/thinking/state of mind/feeling/mood = si1 (思) sale = gaam2 gaa3 (減價) (reduce price) big sale = daai6 gaam2 gaa3 (大減價) (doing ... and doing ... at the) same (time) = jat1 bin1 ... jat1 bin1 .... (一邊 ... 一邊 ...) scissors = gaau3 zin2 (鉸剪) gaau3 (鉸) = [n] hinge / [v] cut with scissors cut = zin2 (剪) [v] cut off/clip/shear/trim / [n] scissors/shears/clippers/wipe out/exterminate/annihilate = zin2 (剪) scream = giu3 seng1 (叫聲) seasons = sei3 gwai3 (can also mean all year) a season = jat1 gwai3 zit3 (一季節) autumn = cau1 tin1 (秋天) winter (冬) = dung1 tin1 (冬天) (winter/11th lunar month/period from the 10th to the 12th month spring = ceon1 tin1 (春天) summer = haa6 tin1 (夏天) rainy season = jyu5 gwai3 (雨季) search = wan2 (搵) / caau3 (摷) seat = wai2 (位) position/rank/status/location/seat/numerical adjunct/seat of authority/person / [v] take its place = wai6/2 (位) daan1 wai62 (單位) = a unit/work unit/single separately = ling6 ngoi6 (另外) ling6 (另) = [pron] another/other/separate / [adv] in addition/besides/differently sell (out) = maai6 ceot1 heoi3 (賣出去) send = gei3 (寄) sentence = geoi3 (句) (zi2 (子)) geoi3 (句) = sentence/clause/words ngau1 (句) = variant of ngau1/gau1 (勾) ngau1/gau1 (勾) = [v] tick off/check/cross out/delineate/sketch/trace out/gang up with/collude with/evoke/induce/remind/awaken / [n] deal/business/affairs syntax error/sentence with grammar mistakes/illiterate = beng6 geoi3 (病勾) grammar = jyu5 faat3 (語法) / man4 faat3 (文法) sequence = ci3 zeoi6 (次序) ci3 (次) = [n] order/sequence/succession/[literary] stopover / [adj] second/next/deputy/second-rate/secondary/substandard/[chem] hypo- / [measure] time/occasion/occurrence zeoi6 (序) = order/sequence/series/preface/foreword/prelude/introduction serious/severe = jim4 zung6 (嚴重) jim4 (嚴) = [adj] strict/rigorous/stern/ intense/grave/inclement/tight/close/sealed / [n] [literary] father dignity/sanctity/honour = zyun1 jim4 (尊嚴) zyun1 (尊) = superior/senior/noble / [v] respect/esteem/venerate/your honourable/respectable/classifier for statue and cannon respect = zyun1 zung6 (尊重) / zyun1 ging3 (尊敬) bat1 zyun1 zung6 (不尊重) = irreverence ging3 (敬) = [v] respect/honour/revere/esteem/respectfully / [v] present/offer self-esteem/self-respect = zi6 zyun1 sam1 (自尊心) internal thoughts/in one's mind/in one's thought = sam1 zung1 (心中) shampoo = sai2 tau4 seoi2 (洗頭水) shape = jing4 (zong6) (型(狀)) circle/round = hyun1 zi2 (usually used for social circle or circling around) (圈子) / jyun4 jing4 (circular/spherical) (圓形) e.g. hyun1 di1 (圈啲) ... = circle the ... hyun1 (圈) = circle/ring/circuit/lap / [v] encircle/enclose/mark with a circle / [v] pen in/coop up/lock up gyun6 (圈) = sty/pen/fold/corral [math] circle / [adj] round/circular/spherical/perfect/comprehensive/satisfactory / [v] justify/make plausible/perfect / [n] yuan (monetary unit, often abbreviated as 元) = jyun4 (圓) jyun4 luk1 luk1 (圓碌碌) = round luk1 (碌) = mediocre/common/busy/occupied/a kind of stone roller / [classifier] plank (eg. of wood)/length/section (eg. of bamboo, sugarcane, etc.) / [vulgar] penis/male appendage [n] form/shape/appearance/figure/complexion/terrain/contour/expression/description /[v] describe/show/manifest / in comparison = jing4 semi-circle = bun3 jyun4 (半圓) ellipse = to5 jyun4 (橢圓) to5 (橢) = oval/oval-shaped/elliptical parallelogram = ping4 hang4 sei3 bin1 jing4 (平行四邊形) hang4/haang4 (行) = [v] walk/go/travel/circulate/be current/prevail/do/act/perform/practise/be all right/be allowed/will do / [adj] capable/able/competent hong4 (行) = [n, classifier] line/row / [n] trade/profession/line of business/shop/firm/company/hope/ expectation / [v] rank (of seniority among siblings)/set up (bed space) hang6 (行) = [n] conduct/behaviour/deed pentagon = m5 bin1 (五邊) / gok3 (角) jing4 (similiarily for triangle/septagon, octagon, etc...) (形) gok3 (角) = [n] (of an animal) horn/antenna/feeler/bugle/horn/horn-shaped thing/corner/angle/cape/promontory/dime/a tenth of a dollar/role/part/character/actor/ancient three-legged wine cup/one of five musical notes in ancient Chinese music / [v] contend/wrestle/compete rectangle = coeng4 fong1 jing4 (長方形) square = zing3 fong1 jing4 (正方形) trapezium = tai1 jing4 (梯形) triangle = saam1 gok3 jing4 (三角形) isosceles triangle = dang2 jiu1 saam1 gok3 jing4 (等腰三角形) shoes = haai4 (鞋) (zek3 (隻) single, pair deoi3 (對)) flat heel shoes = ping4 dai2 haai4 (平底鞋) high heels = gou1 zaang1 haai4 (高踭鞋) laces = haai4 daai2 (鞋帶) daai2 (帶) = long thing slippers = to1 haai2 (拖鞋) to1 (拖) = drag/tow/hang down/trail/mop/delay/postpone/drag on/procrastinate/pin down/implicate mop = dei6 to1 (地拖) trainers = wan6 dung6 haai4 (運動鞋) should = jing1 goi1 (應該) (regulations/rules) jing1 (應) = should/ought to/must/need/promise/consent/agree jing3 (應) = answer/respond to/echo/grant/accept/deal with/cope with/handle/suit/confirm advise = zung1 guk1 (忠告) (sincerely advise) / zi2 gaau3 (指教) / sin1 dak1 (advise) zung1 (忠) = loyal/faithful/devoted/honest/staunch/patriotic guk1 (告) = advise/counsel/admonish gou3 (告) = inform/notify/report to/proclaim/declare/announce/prosecute/sue/accuse/complain about/tell on/ask for/request/solicit hyun3 gou3 (勸告) = to urge/to exhort/to advise/exhortation/advice hyun3 seoi3 (勸說) = to persuade/to advise/persuasion hyun3 zo2 (勸阻) = to advise against doing sth hyun3 gaai3 (勸戒) = dissuasion (persuasion not to do something) gaai3 (戒) = [v] guard against/caution/avoid/abstain from/give up/quit / [n] religious discipline/commandment/(finger) ring fung6 hyun3 (奉勸) = offer an advice fung6 (奉) = present/submit respectfully/receive (order from one's superior)/esteem/revere/venerate/believe in (religion, etc)/attend to/wait on / [adv] having the honour to hyun3 dou6 (勸導) = try to convince/advise (someone to do something) hyun3 fuk6 (勸服) = to prevail/convince hyun3 gaai3 (勸誡) = exhort/admonish gaai3 (誡) = [v] warn/admonish / [n] commandment hyun3 min5 (勸勉) = to advise/to encourage hyun3 gaai2 (勸解) = mollify/mediate shout = laau6 (鬧) shower/to bathe = cung1 loeng4 (沖涼) / shower gel/wash/cream = muk6 juk6 lou6 (沐浴露) / cung1 loeng4 jik6 (沖涼房) sick = beng6 (病) side = bin6 (便) [v] sign one's name/put down one's signature/subscribe/endorse / bamboo slips used for drawings lots or divinations / [n] label = cim1 (簽) silence = cam4 mak6 (沉默) [v] sink/become submerged/lapse into/indulge in / [adj] deep/heavy/profound = cam4 (沉) be silent/tacit/quiet/write from memory = mak6 (默) silence is golden = cam4 mak6 si6 gam1 (沉默是金) silver = ngan4 / ngan2 (銀) similiar = (hou2) ci5 ((好)似) / jat1 joeng6 (一樣) / tung4 joeng6 (同樣) tung4 (同) can only be same if actually the same otherwise = and but can say m4 tung4 (唔同) = different [numeral/article] one/a/an/the / [adj] same/whole/all/throughout / [pron] each/certain/another / [adv] once/as soon as (as short for 一旦 jat1 daan3)/a little/slightly/suddenly/completely = jat1 (一) dawn/daybreak/morning/day = daan3 (旦) jat1 daan6 (一旦) = [conj] in case/once/now that / [n] single day/very short time daan2 (旦) = a female role in a Chinese opera (... and ..). same = (... tung4 (同) ...) jat1 joeng6 (一樣) joeng6/2 (樣) = form/appearance/looks/sample/model/pattern/specimen/type/kind/sort/variety joeng6 joeng6 gaai1 zing1 (樣樣皆精) = good at all kinds of things joeng6 joeng6 si6 (樣樣事) = all kinds of matters/all kinds of things identical = jat1 mou4 jat1 joeng6 (一模一樣) jat1 si4 jat1 joeng6 (一時一樣) = always changing (... and ..). same look = (... tung4 ...) jat1 joeng6 joeng2 (一樣樣) looks like subject + verb = subject (+ hou2) + ci5 + verb like/almost as if/in this way subject + verb = subject + verb + hou2 ci5 + comparison + gam2 e.g, he eats like a pig = keoi5 sik6 je5 hou2 ci5 jat1 zek3 zyu1 gam2 (佢食嘢好似一隻豬噉) subject + verb + dak1 + hou2 ci5 + comparison e.g, he eats like a pig = keoi5 sik6 dak1 hou2 ci5 jat1 zek3 zyu1 (佢食得嘢好似一隻豬噉) subject + hou2 ci5 + comparison + verb e.g, he eats like a pig = keoi5 hou2 ci5 jat1 zek3 zyu1 sik6 (佢好似一隻豬食) subject + looks like + adj = subject + tai2 lai4 + adj differentiate = sik1 fan1 (析分) sik1 (析) = divide/separate/rip apart/analyse/dissect/resolve m5 sik1 fan1 (唔析分) = cannot differentiate look (noun) = joeng2 (樣) (tone 6 -> tone 2) this/that way (in this way look) = gam2 joeng2 (噉樣) mat1 je5 joeng2 = what look (乜野樣) sing = ceong3 (go1 歌) [n] song/melody/tune / [v] sing/chant/extol/eulogize/praise = (sau2 measure word) go1 (歌) lyrics = go1 ci4 (歌詞) ci4 (詞) = word/term/component/a part of speech in grammar/speech/statement/a form of poetry characterized by lines of irregular length/lyrics of songs, ballads or operas sit = co5 (坐) sit down = co5 dai1 (坐低) dai1 (低) = low / [v] lower/bend/bow sit up = co5 hei2 san1 (坐起身) sit properly = co5 hou2 (坐好) ceng2 co5 (請坐) = please be seated stand on = kei5 soeng5 heoi3 (徛上去) (stand go up - as anything you stand on you go up on it) stand down / walk down = kei5 lok6 lai4 (徛落嚟) (stand down come) stand up = (kei5) hei2 san1 (徛起身) stand = kei5 (徛) situation (not emotional) = cing4 fong3 (情況) under (these) circumstances = cing4 fong3 haa6 (情況下) situation (someone's emotional situation) = cyu5 ging2 sky = tin1 (hung1) (天(空)) sleep = fan3 gaau3 (瞓覺) I didn't sleep well. = ngo5 mou5 dak1 fan3 (我冇得瞓) slouch = bun3 taan1 slow = maan6 (慢) slowly = maan6 maan2 (慢慢) Enjoy the meal (you sit down and eat together) = gok3 wai2 sik6 faan6 (各位食飯) Enjoy the meal (you cook, and leave the food on table and leave / you finish your meal earlier than others) = gok3 wai2 maan6 maan2 sik6 (各位慢慢食) / maan6 jung6 (慢用) tiny/small/little (often used in spoken Cantonese to describe objects or animals)/slender/thin/tall but lean/slim/petty/trifling/detailed/precise/exquisite/delicate (workmanship, etc.) = sai3 (細) slight = (hing1) mei4 ((輕)微) light/of little weight / [adj] slight/small in number/degree, etc/relaxed/unburdened/unimportant/frivolous/rash/imprudent / [v] belittle/slight/make light of / [adv] gently/softly/carefully = hing1/heng1 (輕) [adj] minute/tiny/slight/little/humble/trivial/insignificant/profound/abstruse/subtle/ [adv] slightly / a little bit / [v] decline/dwindle/deteriorate = mei4 (微) tiny, small items = dik1 sik1 (的骰), sai3 gin6 sik1/tau4 (骰) = dice smelly = cau3 (嗅) smile = siu3 (笑) fake smile = gaa2 siu3 (假笑) smoke = jin1 (煙) smoking cigs = sik6 jin1 (食煙) ashtray = jin1 fui1 gong1 (煙灰缸) gong1 (缸) = jar/vat/crock/tank/pot/jug/mug/cistern sneeze = hat1 ci1 (乞嗤) so (degree) = gam3 (咁) adjective subject1 + mou5 (冇) + subject2 gam3 (咁) adjective e.g. David mou5 (冇) Neill gam3 leng3 zai2 (咁靚仔) = David is not as handsome as Neill (Its use though has the connotation of only up to ... degree, for so .. and beyond use gei2 (幾).) so (e.g. what about) = gam2 (噉) noun/verb so/therefore = so2 ji5 (所以) so2 (所) = [n] place/location/position/ building/office/that which so so = maa4 maa2 dei2 (麻麻地) soap = faan1 gaan2 (番梘) / gaan2 jik6 (梘液) (liquid soap) solid = gu3 tai2 (固體) some/several/few = gei2 (幾) (restrict but when use a measure quantity it infers beyond) / di1 (more than one/plural) jau5 di1 = (have plural) have a little sometimes = jau5 si4 (有時) if problems arise/be occupied/busy = jau5 si6 (有事) someone = jau5 jan4 (有人) souvenir = sau2 seon3 (手信) sau2 seon3 (守信) = to keep one's word/be trustworthy/keep a promise son (boy/man) = zai2 soon = zau6 faai3 (就快) / jat1 zan6 gaan1 (一陣間) / hou2 faai3 (好快) e.g. keoi5 hou2 faai3 dou3 (佢好快到) = she soon arrives sorry = deoi3 m4 zyu6 (對唔住) sorry (excuse me) = m4 hou2 ji3 si1 (唔好意思) / ceng2 man6 (請問) spade = caan2 (鏟) spaghetti = ji3 fan2 (意粉) space/seat = wai2 (go3) speaker (device) = kwong3 jam1 hei3 (擴音器) special ... = dak6 (bit6) ... (特(別)...) specifically/designated/specially appointed/specially assigned/specially designed/specific/particular = dak6 ding6 (特定) specifications/standards/norm = kwai1 gaak3 (規格) kwai1 (規) = [n] regulation/rule/compasses/dividers / [v] plan/map out/scheme/advise/admonish gaak3 (格) = square/check/shelf/division/pattern/form/standard/quality/style/nature/obstruct/impede/hinder/combat/hit/beat/examine/study/research/(grammar) case biu1 zeon2 kwai1 gaak3 (標準規格) = standard/norm rules/regulations = kwai1 zak1 / geoi2 (規則/矩) zak1 (則) = [n] law/rule/regulation/standard/norm/criterion / a particle indicating consequence (usually used after a supposition) or a reason / a numerary particle used before news reports, etc. / but/however / [v] imitate/follow geoi2 (矩) = rectangle/rules/regulations/carpenter's square/[physics] moment waan2 faat3 (玩法) = play rules (rules of the game) dim2 gou1 faat3 aa3? (點高法呀?) = How high? staff = zik1 jyun4 (職員) stationed = zyu3 (駐) youth always be (traditional Chinese New Year saying) = cing1 ceon1 soeng4 zyu3 (青春常駐) youth = cing1 ceon1 (青春) cing1 (青春) = green/young common/normal/ordinary/frequently/long lasting/permanent/eternal/ rule/principle = soeng4 (常) unusual = m4 ping4 soeng4 (唔平常) ping4 (literary) / peng4 (colloquial) (平) = flat/level/even/peaceful/equal/equality / [v] conquer/quell (a revolt)/calm down/control/regulate/go back to normal after sharp rises (said of prices)/make the same score/tie/draw (sports)/pacifiy/bring peace to / cheap (colloquial) academic level/water level/horizontal = seoi2 ping4 (水平) usually = tung1 soeng4 (通常) / ping4 si4 (平時) usually + verb + object = verb + hoi1 (開) + measure word + object usually buy brand = maai5 hoi1 zek3 paai4 zi2 (買開隻牌子) buy/purchase/bribe = maai5 (買) open (door, bottle, etc)/turn on/drive/operate/depart/start/set up/run/hold (meeting, exhibition, etc)/write out/make a list of/aside/apart/away/verb particle marking habitual aspect = hoi1 (開) always = verb + hoi1 (開) (go) away = zau2 hoi1 (走開) run/walk/leave/go away/move/leak/reveal/let out/lose the original shape, flavour, etc = zau2 (走) begin (doing something) = hoi1 ci2 (開始) ci2 (始) = beginning/start/first/only then open eyes = maak3 daai6 ngaan5 (擘大眼) / zaang1 hoi1 (睜開) maak3 (擘) = tear apart/rip up/open zaang1/zang1 (睜) = open (the eyes) happy = hoi1 sam1 (開心) / hang6 fuk1 (幸福) (blissful) hang6 (幸) = lucky/rejoice fuk1 (福) = luck/happiness leave = lei4 hoi1 (離開) / zau2 (走) lei4 (離) = leave/depart from/be separate from/be away from/be at a distance from/be without/be independent of place1 lei4 place2 m4 hai6 hou2 jyun5 (place1離place2唔係好遠) = place1 is not far from place2 leave home = ceot1 mun4 hau2 (出門口) left = zau2 zo2 (走咗) has connotation of died so for just left = aam1 aam1 haang4 hoi1 (just walk open) (啱啱行開) meeting = hoi1 wui2 (開會) will/would/get together/city = wui2/wui6/wui5 (會) wui5 (會) = will wui2 (會) = meeting wui6 (會) = to meet (action, fml) send off/farewell meeting = hoi1 jat1 go3 fun1 sung3 wui2 (開一個...會) meet = gin3 min6 (見面) gin3 (見) = [v] see/catch sight of/observe/meet/call on/visit/show evidence of/appear to be/feel (cold, dizzy, sick, etc) / (used before a verb to indicate the passive) / [n] view/opinion/idea jin6 (見) = show/appear/become visible (as variant of jin6 (現}) min6 (面) = face/surface/top/side/aspect/extent newly open = san1 hoi1 (新開) new/fresh/beginning/starting/recent/modern = san1 (新) order = giu3 (叫) / hoi1 zo2 (開咗) already/particle marking perfective aspect or continuous state = zo2 (咗) called/be known as = giu3 (叫) through/notify/general/know = tung1 (通) time = si4 (gaan3) (時(時間)) stay/remain/keep/reserve/save/set aside/leave behind/bequeath/accept/take/ask sb to staykeep sb from leaving/pay attention to/concentrate on/study abroad/overseas = lau4 (留) lau4 dai1 (留低) = to leave something for someone/to leave behind/to remain behind ceng2 lau4 bou6 (請留步) = please stay lau4 bou6 (留步) = don't bother to see me out (said by a departing guest to a host)/stay right there (said through a mike by a funeral attendant to a group of newly-arrived mourners) steal/do something without others' knowledge/while away without purpose/have an extra-marital relationship = tau1 (偷) adultery/extramarital relationship/illicit relationship = tau1 cing4 (偷情) a thief = siu2 tau1 (小偷) come to a country illegally = tau1 dou6 (偷渡) cross (river, ocean)/ferry across/pull through/ferry/ferry crossing = dou6 (渡) stealthily/surreptitiously = tau1 tau1 (偷偷) to eavesdrop = tau1 teng1 (偷聽) to peek = tau1 tai2 (偷睇) false start = tau1 bou6 (偷步) bou6 (偷) = step/pace/walk/stroll/on foot/situation/state/degree/banks of rivers, ponds, etc./fortune/doom/a unit in length in ancient China of about 5.5 feet secret laugh/titter = tau1 siu3 (偷笑) tax evasion = tau1 seoi3 (偷稅) seoi3 (稅) = tax/duty/revenue steam (noun) = seoi2 zing1 hei3 (水蒸氣) zing1 (蒸) = to steam (verb) / cook by steaming / evaporate steps/ladder/stairs = tai1 (梯) a step = tai1 kap1 (梯級) level/degree/rank/class/grade/step (flight of steps)/decapitated head = kap1 (級) steps/a flight of steps/pedestal/bench/an opportunity to extricate oneself from an awkward position = toi4 gaai1 (台階) terrace/tower/lookout/platform/stage/stand/support/base/station/channel/network/you/your (a title of respect)/short for Taiwan/[classifier] whole set (of certain machinery) = toi4 (台) steps/stairs/rank/class = gaai1 (階) escalator = din6 tai1 (電梯) stairway/staircase/stairs = lau4 tai1 (樓梯) (cl: tong4 (堂), dou6 (度), section/flight: dyun6 (段)) step on = (caai2 (踩)) soeng5 (heoi3) (上(去)) (physically stepping on) / daap6 (踏) (time) step on a escalator = soeng5 heoi3 din6 tai1 (上去電梯) (don't need caai2 (踩) as nothing else to stand on except the step but I guess needs heoi3 as no verb otherwise) step on a chair = caai2 soeng5 (heoi3) zoeng1 dang3 (踩上去張凳) (need caai2 (踩) as a chair has a footrest so could be misconstrued as stepping on that, heoi3 (上) not strictly necessary as already said caai2 (踩)) 20 past (hour) = daap6 sei3 (踏四) enter this century = daap6 li1 go3 sai3 gei2 (踏呢個世紀) enter this circumstance = daap6 li1 go3 cing4 fong3 (踏呢個情況) still/as before = zung6 / jing4 jin4 (仍然) / ji1 jin4 (依然) jing4 (仍) = [adv] still/yet/as ever / [v] remain / [adj] frequent/usual ji1 (依) = lean on/rest on/attach to/depend on/rely on/count on/comply with/listen to/yield to/according to/in the light of/judging by ji1/ji2 bong6 (依/倚傍) = to rely on/to depend on bong6 (傍) = [v] approach/draw near/get close to/hang out with/stick to/rely on / [adj] adjacent/near/by the side of bong6 jau2(5) (傍友) = enablers/"yes men" zung6 jiu3 = still want / want in addition to (can be used to emphasise more seriousness) stone = sek6 (石) sek6 (石) = stone/rock/stone inscription/medicinal minerals daam3 (石) = a unit of dry measure for grain strange/odd/unusual/queer / [v] blame/complain/impute/find sth strange/be surprised at / [n] monster/demon/unusual person / [adv] unusually/quite/really = gwaai3 (怪) kei4 gwaai3 (奇怪) = different strange kei4 (奇) = strange/rare/queer/unusual/unexpected/unpredictable / [v] surprise/astonish/wonder / [adv] very/extremely/extraordinarily gei1 (奇) = [adj] odd (number) / [n] fractional amount/remainder gu2 gwaai3 (古怪) e.g .gu2 gwai3 jan4 (古怪人) = eccentric person surprising/strange/odd/unusually/extraordinarily/to be surprised = ceot1 kei4 (出奇) I feel puzzled = ngo5 gok3 dak1 hou2 kei4 gwaai3 (我覺得好奇怪) zaak3 gwaai3 (責怪) / gwaai3 zaak3 (怪責) = to blame gwaai3 zaak3 dik1 muk6 gwong1 (怪責的目光) = reproachful look gwaai3 mat6 (怪物) / mo1 gwai1 (魔鬼) = monster/freak/a monstrosity straw (drinking) = jam2 gun2 (飲管) street/road/thoroughfare = gaai1 (街) street market = gaai1 si5 (街市) strong (physical) = koeng4 zong3 (強壯) / daai6 zek3 (大隻 tough) koeng4 (強) = [adj] strong/resolute/violent/capable/of a high standard/better than/slightly more than / [v] strengthen/make strong / [adv] by force koeng5 (強) = [v] compel/force/coerce/make an effort/strive/try hard to goeng6 (強) = [adj] stubborn/unyielding/defiant zong3 (壯) = [adj] strong/robust/sturdy/magnificent/grand/splendid / [v] strengthen/enhance/make better strong (body) = koeng4 zong3 strong (durable) = noi6 jung6 (耐用) / kam1 jung6 (襟用) kam1 (禁) = [v] endure/bear/stand gam3 (禁) = [v] prohibit/forbid/ban/imprison/confine/detain / [n] royal residence/forbidden area / [v] restrain or contain oneself strong (physical) + subj = subj + hou2 maang5 (好猛) e.g. strong sun = jat6 tau2 hou2 maang5 (日頭好猛) [adj] strong/powerful/vigorous/sturdy/ [n] strength/energy/might/vigour/spirit/drive/zeal/interest/fun/relish / Cantonese only [adv] extremely/impressively/seriously = ging6/3 (勁) stocks & shares = gu2 piu3 (股票) the thigh/hips/department/section/shares/stock/puff/blast (of hot air)/a bunch or band (of bandits) = gu2 (股) ticket/fare/vote/ballot/invoice/banknote/stamp/hostage/person held for ransom/amateur theatrical performance = piu3 (票) fei1 piu3 = plane ticket (飛票) However, for all other forms of transport e.g. ticket/transport fare = ce1 fei1 (車飛) stock market = gu2 si5 (股市) stop (place e.g. bus stop) = zaam6 (站) stop (verb) = ting4 (停) stop by telling = giu3 ting4 (叫停) stop by pulling = laai1 ting4 (拉停) stop by pressing (buttons) = gam6 ting4 (㩒停) straight ahead = zik6 heoi3 (直去) strict = jim4 (嚴) structure = git3 kau3 (結構) git3 (結 = tie/knit/knot/weave / [v] unite/join/connect/conclude/settle/finish/congeal/form/scab / [n] knot/node / [v] bear (fruit)/form (seed) / [adj] tough/strong/durable git3 gwo2 (結果) = result/outcome/consequence/to finish off/kill kau3 (構) = [v] construct/form/build/compose / [n] construction/organization/framework / [v] (of abstract things) make up/invent / [n] literary work/composition/writing stupid = ceon2 (蠢) ceon2 (蠢) = stupid/foolish/dull/silly/clumsy/awkward/unwieldy/wriggle/squirm/create disturbances did something stupid = zyu1 zo2 (豬咗) (pig -ed) silly/foolish/stupid/imbecile/fool = so4 (傻) (so4 haa5 so4 haa5 (傻吓傻吓)) suddenly = dat6 jin4 gaan1 (突然間) / dat6 jin4 (突然) / fat1 jin4 gaan1 (忽然間) / fat1 jin4 (忽然) / sat1 geng1 mou4 san4 (more sudden & can be slightly negative) (失驚無神) dash forward/abruptly/protrude = dat6 (突) jin4 (然) = yes/most certainly/permission/right/correct/however/but/still/nevertheless/on the other hand/really/if so / same as jin4 (燃) (burn/ignite/light) dong1 jin4 (當然) = of course/as it should be/only natural that dong1 (當) = [v] serve/work as/accept/take (responsibility)/be in charge/preside/control/be equal to/match/be commensurate with/ should/ought to/must/hold back/block/be in sb's presence / [prep] at a certain time/place/when/while/at/in/on (that very moment/day/month/year) dong3 (當) = [v] regard/treat as/take for / [adj] appropriate/proper/right / [v,n] pawn/mortgage/pledge lei5 so2 dong1 jin4 (理所當然) = take it for granted/(as a matter) of course/naturally/needless to say soeng2 dong1 jin4 (想當然) = assume sth as a matter of course/take for granted interval of time or space = gaan1 (間) fat1 (忽) = suddenly/unexpectedly/abruptly/neglect/overlook/ignore/now ..., now ... sat1 geng1 mou4 san4 (失驚無神) = unexpectedly/suddenly sat1 (失) = to lose/make a mistake/ let slip/neglect/miss / [n] mistake/omission mou4 (無) = negative/no/not/none/without/destitute of/wanting / [v] lack/have not/no matter what (or how)/not yet suggest = gin3 ji5 (建議) gin3 (建) = build/construct/erect/establish/found/set up/propose/advocate/suggest suitable = sik1 hap6 (適合) sik1 (適) = [v] fit/suit/adjust to/[literary] go/arrive/reach/[literary] (of a girl) marry/get married / [adj] suitable/proper/appropriate/comfortable/agreeable / [adv] just/right/by chance hap6 (合) = [v] close/shut/join/combine/unite/suit/agree/conform with/add up to/be equal to / [adj] whole/entire/all/proper/appropriate / [adv] jointly/together suitcase = gip1 (喼) surname = sing3 (姓) sweat = ceot1 hon6 (出汗) switch/button/brake / [v] drag/pull/draw/hinder/snatch away/switch = zai3 (掣) swollen = zung2 (腫) syllabus = faan6 wai4 (範圍) faan6 (範) = model/example/paradigm/boundary/limits/scope/control/restrict/keep watch/mould/matrix/pattern symbol = fu4 (符) T take = ling1 (拎) / daai3 (帶) ling1 (拎) = take away/out (by hand)/carry or hold with a hand/lift up/bring over/make use of sb/sth take away = ling1 zau2 (拎走) take out (food) = lik1 zau2 (擰走) daai3 (帶) = (n) belt/band/tape/ribbon/zone/area/region / (v) bring/take/carry/contain/bear/have/lead/head/look after e.g. take glasses = daai3 (maai4) ngaan5 geng2 (帶(埋)眼鏡) take out / withdraw = lo2 (攞) tall = gou1 (高) taste = mei6 (味) mei6 (味) = [n] taste/flavour/delicacy/smell/odour/scent/interest/relish/mood / [v] reflect on/ponder/chew over / [classifier] ingredient (herbs)/dish (food) tim4 (甜) = sweet/sweetness/luscious/agreeable/pleasant syun1 (酸) = sour/acid/stale/spoiled/sad/grieved/sorrowful/aching / [n] tingle/ache/jealous/envious/stingy/acid (chemistry) fu2 (苦) = [adj] bitter/painful/hard / [n] pain/hardship/suffering / [v] suffer from/cause sb to suffer / [adv] painstakingly/doing one's utmost laat6 (辣) = peppery/pungent/hot/piquant / [v] burn/bite (smell/taste) haam4 (鹹) = salty/salted/pickled/pornographic/lecherous/dirty/grubby tim4 syun1 fu2 laat6 (甜酸苦辣) = joys and sorrows/the good and the bad/the ups and the downs/bittersweet teach = gaau3 (教) (syu1 (書) / hok6 (學)) gaau3 hok6 (教學) can also = education from "lecturer" point of view church = gaau3 wui2 (教會) (comes from will wui5/6 (會)) - more about the people meeting / gaau3 tong2 (教堂) - more about the building zou6 lai5 baai6 (做禮拜) = to worship/go to church tears = tai3 (涕) teddy bear/doll = gung1 zai2 (公仔) / be1 be1 hung4 (啤啤熊) temporary = lam4 si4 (臨時) look down from above/overlook/face/be near/be on the point of/ arrive/reach/descend/copy (a model of calligraphy, painting, etc) = lam4 (臨) lam3 si4 lam4 gap1 (臨時臨急) / lam4 gap1 lam4 mong4 (臨急臨忙) = last minute/unprepared/in a great rush, under time pressure (e.g., cramming for an exam)/to be hard pressed for time (and making decisions under then) tenant = zou1 haak3 (租客) terminus = zung1 zaam6 (中站) / dim2 zaam6 (點站) (many connections usually for metro) test (noun) / quiz = caak1 jim6 (測驗) measure/survey/fathom/conjecture/speculate/guess = caak1/cak1 (測) (verb) trial/test/beta (software) = cak1/caak1 si3 (測試) si3/si5 (試) = [v] test/try/experiment/use/examine/examination/sound out/put up a trial balloon/compare / [n] trial/test gim2 caa4 (檢查) = to check/to inspect/to examine/inspection/examination gim2 (檢) = [n] book label/form/pattern / [v] sort/gather/inspect/check up/examine/collate/discuss thoroughly/restrict/regulate caa4 (查) = check/inspect/investigate/consult/look up/refer to gim2 cak1/caak1 = detector/tester/sensor (檢測) -th = dai6 (第) thank you (present) = do1 ze6 (多謝) saai3 (嗮) = very much/to an extreme level/more than expected thank you (service) = m4 goi1 (唔該) goi1 (該) = should/ought to/need to/obliged to/fated to/preordained / [v] owe / that/the said (person, matter, place, etc.)/be somebody's turn to do something/deserve / inclusive/complete / [Wu] facing saai3 (晒) = very much/to an extreme level/more than expected) that = go2 (嗰) that's all = gam3 do1 laa3 (咁多啦) zau6 hai6 gam3 do1 (就係咁多) = it's just that much/that's it for now/that's all for now the (個) = classifier/measure word go3 go3 (個個) / jat1 go3 ji6 go3 (一個二個) = each and every one there are = jau5 (有) zung6 jau5 = there is / else / still have (仲有) / furthermore/in addition/moreover (重有 / soeng6 jau5 - 尚有 / waan4 jau5 還有) therefore = so2 ji5 (所以) then = action X first (prerequisite), then action Y = sin1 zi3 (先至) afterwards (time) = gan1 zyu6 (跟住) / zi1 hau6 (afterwards) (之後) well? = gan1 zyu6 le1? (跟住呢?) first then = sin1 zi3 (先至) right away/follow/there upon = zau6 (就) (connection is less than sin1 zi3 (先至)) zi1 hau6 (之後) / jin4 hau6 (然後) sentence structures = action + zi1 hau6 (之後) ... / jin4 hau6 (然後) + action (beginning of sentence) something happened so (then) e.g. so (then) you go home first = gam2 lei5 faan1 uk1 kei2 sin1 (噉你返屋企先) thick = hau5 (厚) (flat pieces) / git6 (滐) (liquid) / cou1 (粗) (cylindrical) thin (living thing) = sau3 (瘦) thin (object) = bok6 (薄) (flat pieces) / hei1 (稀) (liquid) / jau3 (幼) (cylindrical) things = je5 (嘢) think = lam2 (諗) believe/feel = gok3 dak1 (覺得) (more for feeling) / soeng1 seon3 (相信) e.g. I don't think what he did was wrong = ngo5 m4 gok3 dak1 keoi5 zou6 co3 (我唔覺得佢做錯) gok3 (覺) = feel/sense/be conscious of/become aware/realise/discover / [n] sense/feeling/consciousness gok3 (覺) = [n] sleep/nap dak1 (得) = [v] get/obtain/gain/permit/allow/able to[literary] be satisfied/complacent [adj] fit/suit/proper/finished/ready surprised = surprised (neutral) = gok3 dak1 hou2 (覺得好) surprised (pleasant) = ging1 hei2 (驚喜) ging1 (geng2) (驚) = [v] frighten/surprise/startle / [adj] scary/surprised/startled hei2 (喜) = [adj] happy/joyful/worth celebrating / [n] joy/pleasure/delight/happiness/happy event/pregnancy/liking / [v] be fond of/like/enjoy/be keen on surprised (amazing) = ging1 kei4 (驚奇) surprised (negative) = ging1 ngaa5 (驚雅) believe (but later wrong) = ji5 wai4 (以為) ji5 (以) = by means of/because of/therefore/consider as/in order to/with/indicating implement/instrumentality/giving cause ji5 pin1 koi3 cyun4 (以偏概全) = stereotype/ take a part for the whole/generalize (about sth) from isolated incidents pin1 (偏) = [adj] slanting/leaning/inclining to one side/partial/prejudiced/biased/unfair/uncommon/rare/outlying/subordinate/assistant / [v] deviate from the normal direction/course / [adv] wilfully/deliberately/persistently koi3 (概) = [n] broad outline/general idea/manner/air/bearing/style / [adv] without exception/categorically soeng1 seon3 (相信) = believe (more if have evidence, not just a feeling / I don't think he is capable of doing that wrong thing e.g. ngo5 m4 soeng1 seon3 keoi5 zou6 co3 (我唔相信佢做錯) seon3 (信) = honest/truthful/faithful/trust/believe/letter/mail/news/carefree/aimless; at random trustworthy = ho2 seon3 (可信) / ho2 kaau3 (可靠) / seon3 dak1 gwo3 (可得過) / sau2 seon3 (守信) - to keep one's word/be trustworthy/keep a promise trust/have confidence in = seon3 jam6 (信任) mistrust = bat1 seon3 jam6 (不信任) gok3 si1 gok3 faat3 (各施各法) = each implements each method of their own si1 (施) = bestow/grant/hand out/bring or put into effect/execute/apply/use/add cou3 si1 (措施) = measure (policy)/step/action (to be taken) cou3 (措) = arrange/manage/handle/make plans/make preparation guess = uncertain fact + gwaa3/dou1 ci5 (都似) - [Cantonese only] has the possibility (at the end of a sentence to express a guess) / gu2 haa5 (啩/諗吓)? I guess he left = keoi5 zau2 zo2 gwaa3 (佢走咗啩) gu2 m4 dou3/dou32 (估唔到) / lam2 gu2 dou2 (諗唔到) / liu6 bat1 dou2 (料不到) / dim2 bat1 zi1 (點不知) / syu4 bat1 dou2 (殊不知) = unexpected/unforeseen/not anticipated imagine/figure out = lam2 dou2 (諗到) think constantly / plan = lam2 zyu6 (諗住) rush in without a thought = lam2 dou1 m4 lam2 (諗都唔諗) thirsty = hau2 hot3 (口渴) this = li1 / gam1 (呢/今) + classifier this (time period) today = gam1 jat6 (今日) this kind/style = li1 zek3 (呢隻) / fun2 (款) (models) / zung2 (種) / leoi6 (類) (jing4 (型)) fun2 (款) = [n] sum/amount of money/fund/pattern/style/design/fashion/section/sub-clause/article/item/signature/inscription (on letter, painting, etc) / [v] entertain/treat cordially/knock (at a door) / [classifier] type/kind/suit / [adj] sincere/wholehearted/hearty/leisurely/slow/deliberate jat1 zung2 (一種) = a kind of/a sort of/a species of/a type of zung2 (種) = [n] (of plants) seed/strain/race/breed/species/guts/grit/courage / [classifier] type/sort/class zung3 (種) = [v] grow/plant/cultivate/vaccinate/receive vaccination zung2 leoi6 (種類) = type/species/class/kind/sort leoi6 (類) = [n] kind/type/sort/category / [v] resemble/be similar to catergorised to = jap6 jyu1 ((入於) be categorised + to) jap6 (入) = [v] enter/come/go in(to)/join/come into the company of/arrive at/reach/put in/get out of sight/disappear/get (inside, picked, elected, etc.)/agree with/conform to / receipts/income / one of the four tones of a character joeng6(2) (樣) = shape/form/appearance/looks/sample/model/pattern/specimen/type/kind/sort/variety* fong1 sik1 (方式) = way of doing smth/style/pattern/fashion throat = hau4 lung4 (喉嚨) sore throat = hau4 lung4 tung3 (喉嚨痛) throw away (undesired) = dam2 (抌) / (wing1) diu6 (扔掉) dam2 (抌) = beat (with fist)/bang/pound/smash/shatter/stamp (a chop)/throw/discard/abandon wing1 (扔) = throw awaythrow/hurl/toss/abando/discard/throw away diu6/deu6/zaau6 (掉) = drop/fall down/lag behind/lose/be missing/turn/reverse/decrease/decline/off/away (used to indicate removal and departure)/change/exchange/swap/swing/wag/shake zaau6 (掉) = variant for zaau6 (櫂) / [v] row a boat with an oar / [n] oar/paddle/boat throw/pelt/hurl (obj) = deng3 (掟) hoeng3 go2 di1 jan4 deng3 / deu6 / dam2 xxx / je5 (向嗰啲人掟/掉/抌xxx/嘢) = towards those people throw xxx / things tide = ciu4 (seoi2) (潮(水)) tidy = zap1 (執) a bit tight (time) = jau5 di1 man3 (有啲��) insufficient/not quite enough/tight/edge/rim/boundary/limit = man3 (��) time = moments of time = ci3 (次) how many times you verb ... = gei2 noi6 (幾耐) verb jat1 ci3 (一次) obj o'clock = dim2 (點) period of time = kei4 (期) kei4 (期) = [n] period of time/scheduled/appointed time/phase/stage/session/issue / [v] expect/anticipate/hope/await kei4 gaan1 (其間) = between/among/during/within/that interval/that period duration sentence structure = person + duration + action / verb + no of times + ci3 (次) + obj to postpone/to delay = tan3 ci4 (褪遲) [Cantonese only] / teoi1 ci4 (推遲) [Cantonese & Mandarin] tan3 (褪) = retreat/move backward/sideward/to slip part of body (e.g. an arm) out of clothing (e.g. sleeve) teoi3 (褪) = take off (clothes)/shed hairs/feathers/(of colour) fade/discolour time is up = gau3 (saai3) zung1 (夠(晒)鐘) (enough completely clock) / gwo3 zo2 zung1 (過咗鐘) (passed clock) si4 hak1 (時刻) = time/hour/moment/constantly/always hak1/haak1/kaan5 (刻) = [v,n] carve/engrave/things carved / [n] moment/quarter (of an hour) / [v] describe/depict/portray / [adj] unkind/harsh/cruel / [adj,adv] profound/deeply/firmly / [n] {kaan5} (mahjong) pong/triplet time (period of) = si4 (時)　(dyun6 （段） classifier) si4 (時) = time/fixed time / [n] season/era/age/period/epoch/hours / often/frequently/fashionable/proper and adequate/opportune (moments)/opportunity/timely/seasonable/now ... now ...; sometimes ... sometimes ... si4 caa1 (差) = time difference gaan3 or gaan1 (間) = interval of time or space week = lai5 baai3 (禮拜) / sing1 kei4 (星期) century = sai3 gei2 (世紀) sai3 (世) = generation/person's life span/incarnation/one life/epoch/era/world/experience of human society doi6 (代) = [v] substitute/replace/act in place of / [n] era/dynasty/historical period/generation gei2 (紀) = discipline/law/standard/annals/historical record/epoch/period/age to break a record/record-breaking = po3 gei2 luk6 (破紀錄) po3 (破) = break/destroy/damage/broken/damaged/torn/ruined/cut/part/split/defeat/beat/capture/expose/lay bare/crack/solve/spend (money, time, efforts) luk6 (錄) = record/write down/transcribe/hire/employ/choose/record/register/collection day = jat6 (日) future = (zoi6) mei6 loi4 ((在)未來) / zoeng1 loi4 (將來) / dai6 si4 (第時) be going to/be about to/will/shall/ verb [chess] check!/nourish/support/take care of = zoeng1 (將) if after a subject/beginning of the sentence, pushes a verb to the end of the sentence = zoeng1 (將) wash the clothes = sai2 di1 saam1 / zoeng1 di1 saam1 saai2 he killed a fly = keoi5 saat3 zo2 jat1 zek3 wu1 jing1 (佢殺咗一隻烏蠅) / keoi5 zoeng1 jat1 zek3 wu1 jing1 saat3 sei2 (佢將一隻烏蠅殺死) dead = sei2 (死) as the verb is at the end so typically emphasise the effect of the verb pass me that glass of water = bei2 go2 bui1 zeoi2 ngo5 (畀嗰盃?我) / zoeng1 go2 bui1 seoi2 dai6 bei2 ngo5 (張嗰盃水遞畀我) dai6 (遞) = pass but is used with bei2 (畀) dai6 (遞) = hand over/forward/deliver/successively/in the proper order dai6 go2 bui1 seoi2 bei2 ngo5 (遞嗰盃水畀我) = pass the cup of water to me (bei2 (畀) is more like "to" here) short time = jat1 dyun6 dyun2 si4 gaan3 (一段短時間) long time = hou2 noi6 (好耐) month = jyut6 (月) spend lots of time = jung6 hou2 do1 si4 gaan3 (用好多時間) year = nin4 (年) New Year (Day) = jyun4 daan3 jat6 (元旦日) jyun4 (元) = [n] beginning/first/original/dollar/head/eldest/chief/big/60 years (Chinese astrology) New Year’s Eve = ceoi4 zik6 (除夕) zik6 (夕) = sunset/evening/night/last period of year, season, month, etc timetable = si4 gaan3 biu2 (時間表) tired/exhausted/weary/fatigued/worn out/knackered = gui6 (攰) jim3 (厭) = [v] be fed up with/be bored with/be tired of/be disgusted with/detest/dislike / [adj] satisfied/satiated/having enough to + subject = deoi3 (對) He does this thing to the dog = keoi5 deoi3 zek3 gau2 li1 joeng6 je5 (佢對隻狗呢樣嘢) A is good to/for B = A deoi3 (對) B hou2 (好) together = jat1 cai4 (一齊) cai4 (齊) = even/neat/uniform/trim/identical/together/in unison/all ready/all present/complete/reach the height of/on the same plane with toilet = ci3 so2 (廁所) (measure word zoeng1 (張) - this is the measure word of anything with which the surface is mainly used) toilet paper = ci3 zi2 (廁紙) flush the toilet = cung1 ci3 (沖廁) cung1 (沖) = pour water on/make drinks/infuse/rinse/flush/wash/soar/rise rapidly/shoot up/clash with/neutralise/offset/make void sit down toilet = co5 ci3 (坐廁) squat down toilet = mau1 (踎) (Cantonese only) / deon1 ci3 (蹲廁) mau1 (踎) (Cantonese only) = squat/crouch/stay/reside deon1 (蹲) = squat/crouch/stay/remain idle in a place toilet seat = ci3 so2 baan2 (廁所板) urinal = liu6 ci3 (尿紙) told off/scolded = zau6 nau1 (就嬲) tolerate/bear = ding2 (頂) tolerable/bearable = ... ding2 dak1 seon6 (頂得順) not tolerable/bearable = ... ding2 m4 seon6 (頂唔順) to = deoi3 (對) too = taai3 (太) tour guide/guide a tour/show around = dou6 jau4 (導遊) dou6 (導) = lead/guide/direct/instruct/teach/tutor/conduct/transmit tourist = jau4 haak3 (遊客) towards = hoeng3 (向) towel = mou4 gan1 (body hair cloth) (毛巾) toy = wun6 geoi6 (玩具) traffic = gaau1 tung1 (交通) training = pui4 fan3 (培訓) travel (for leisure) = leoi5 hang4 (旅行) leoi5 (旅) = [v] travel/tour/stay away from home / [n] [military] brigade/troops/forces [v] make a detour/move round/take an indirect route/go for a (leisurely) stroll/drive/jaunt/canvass/solicit (business)/scout around for customers/wrap up with a pouch/hold up/help out (in conversation)/take upon oneself/take all the responsibility (for sth.) / [n] pouch/pocket/bag/ladle/container for rice, pet food or coins/direct at/right on = dau1 (兜) journey/trip = leoi5 tou4 (旅途) / zi1 leoi5 (之旅) / zi1 hang4 (之行) leoi5 cing4 biu2/1 (旅程表) = travel itinerary/odometer jat6 cing4 (日程) = schedule/itinerary/agenda/plan (for the day) - not travel tree = syu6 (樹) (zi1 classifier (枝)) zi1 (枝) = [n] (of tree) branch/twig / classifier for flowers with stems / variant of zi1 (支) zi1 (支) = prop up/erect/set up/sustain/support/withstand/protrude/raise/prick up/branch/offshoot/subdivision/separate/divide/dismember/send away/dispatch/put sb off/pay/draw (money)/disburse / classifier for long, slender, inflexible objects (pen, toothpaste, pistol) / twelve earthly branches bamboo = zuk1 (竹) leaf/foliage/leaf-like thing/part of a historical period = jip6 (葉) tree branch = syu6 zi1 (樹枝) Trump = dak1 long5 pou2 try it (temporary action) = (si3) haa5 ((試)吓) (This ... ... (e.g. clothing) can try on (wear)? (Is there a place to try this ... on?) = li1 (measure word clothing) si3 m4 si3 dak1? (呢試唔試得?) Can you try it on? = lei5 si3 zoek3 dak1 m4 dak1 aa3? (你試著得唔得呀?) can also be used to indicate the short nature of a verb e.g. a short conversation/carry on a conversation/keep talking = gong2 haa5 (講吓) tried but not successful = si3 gwo3 (試過) try to (as far as possible) = zeon2 loeng6 (儘量) / bok3 meng6 (搏命) try your best = zeon6 sam1 (盡心) zeon6 (盡) = [v] exhaust/use up/finish/reach the limit or top/try one's best/devote to/die/perish/come to the end / [adj] all/exhaustive/full of / [adv] entirely/totally/exclusively [v] try one's utmost/ do one's best/give priority to/prioritize / [adv] utmost/furthest/extreme = zeon2 (儘) [n] standard unit for measuring volume/amount/quantity/capacity / [v] estimate/appraise/evaluate = loeng6 (量) loeng4 = [v] take a measurement/gauge/survey/deliberate/take into consideration persistent/refusing to give up/stubborn = gu3 zap1 (固執) gu3 (固) = firm/solid/secure/steadfast/stubborn/obstinate/adamant/solidify/consolidate/strengthen/originally/admittedly/as a matter of course (固) gu3 ding6 (固定) = fixed/set/non-negotiable/regular/unmoving zap1 (執) = hold/grasp/carry/carry out/conduct/take charge of/stick to (views, etc)/persist in/insist on/written acknowledgement/catch/capture/detain/intimate friend/bosom friend/soul mate/pick up/pack up/tidy up/clean up/confiscate/wind up (business) bok3 meng6 (搏命) = to risk one's life/do something desperate or outrageous/put oneself in danger / [aux.v.] try very hard to/strive to bok3 (搏) = fight/wrestle/combat/throb/beat/pulsate/pounce on/fall on/spring upon meng6/ming6 (命) = [n] life/lifespan/destiny/fate/lot / [v,n] order/command/decree / [v] assign (a name, title, etc) tunnel = seoi6 dou6 (隧道) type/style/pattern/form/standards/norms/formula/ceremony/ritual/rite / [grammar] mood/mode = sik1 (式) match = can3 (襯) can3 saam1 (襯衫) = match (style) clothes TV = din6 si6 (電視) twin brother = maa1 saang1 go1 go1 (孖生哥哥) maa1 (孖) = twin/in pairs / [v] take along/join together/associate twist = ling2 U ugly = cau2 (醜) / zyu1 paa2 (豬扒) cau2 (醜) = [adj] ugly/unsightly/abominable/disgraceful/shameful/scandalous / [n] disgrace/shame/scandal umbrella = (baa2 (把)) ze1 (遮) understand = ming4 baak6 (明白) / lei5 gaai2 (理解) to get a better grasp of sth = gaa1 sam1 lei5 gaai2 (加深理解) bright/light/brilliant/clear/understandable / [v] clarify/understand/obvious/evident/intelligent/clever/eyesight/seeing faculty/day/daybreak/dawn/state/show/assert / next (day or year)/the Ming dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.) = ming4 (明) tau3 ming4 (透明) = transparent/see-through/open/unhidden/lucent/non-secretive/lucid tau3 (透) = [v] penetrate/pass/seep through/reveal/divulge/leak out/appear/show/look/ignite fire/usually with wood, coal, newspaper, etc / [adv] thoroughly/fully/completely unexpected/eventuality/contingency/not worry about = bat1 jyu4 (不虞) be ready for any contingency/be prepared for times of need/be prepared for unseen emergencies = ji5 bei6 bat1 jyu4 (以備不虞) [n] sense of completeness/perfection / [v] be equipped with/get ready/prepare against/fully/in every possible way = bei6 (備) not/no/un- = bat1 (不) worry/forebode/foresee/expect/suppose/predict/deceive/cheat/fool = jyu4 (虞) until/reach = (zik6 (直)) dou3 (到) dou3 (到) = [v] arrive/reach/get to/go to/leave for / [particle] used after a verb or adjective to indicate degree/extent dou2 (到) = [particle] used after a verb to indicate attainment/achievement or potentiality urine = liu6 (尿) urgent/pressing/hurried/desperate/anxious/very eager/worried = gap1 (急) sam1 gap1 (心急) = anxious/impatient use = jung6 (用) if it works it works = jung6 dou2 zau6 jung6 dou2, jung6 m4 dou2 zau6 jung6 m4 dou2 (用到就用到,用唔到就用唔到) useful = jau5 jung6 (有用) useless/ no use = mou5 jung6 (冇用) used to = zaap6 gwaan3 (習慣) zaap6 (習) = learn/familiarise oneself with/receive training in/practice/follow/repeat gwaan3 (慣) = be used/accustomed to/indulge/spoil/pamper custom = zaap6 zuk6 (習俗) zaap6 (習) = [v] learn/familiarise oneself with/receive training in/practice/follow/repeat zuk6 (俗) = custom/convention/habit/vulgar/unrefined/tasteless/common/popular/current/mundane/layman/secular tradition = cyun4 tung2 (傳統) cyun4 (傳) = [v] pass/transmit/hand down/spread/circulate/propagate/convey/express/show zyun6 (傳) = [n] biography/story/novel/commentaries on classics tung2 (統) = [v] unite/unify/gather into one/administer/control/command / [n] interrelated or interconnected system / [adv] all/altogether/entirely culture = man4 faa3 (文化) faa3 (化) = [v] change/transform/convert/melt/dissolve/reduce / [v suffix] -ize/-ify/-ate/-en’ (forming verbs from nouns and adjectives) / [n] customs and habits cultural tradition = man4 faa3 cyun4 tung2 (文化傳統) useful = jau5 jung6 (有用) usually = tung1 soeng4 (通常) / ping4 si4 (平時) lai6 paai2 (例牌) = [adj] conventional/standard/usual / [adv] as usual; always/habitually / [Syn] ziu3 lai6 (照例) / [n] same old stuff/usual/ordinary thing / [literal] regular menu ziu3 lai6 (照例) = usually/as a rule/as usual usually + verb + object = verb + hoi1 (開) + measure word + object usually buy brand = maai5 hoi1 zek3 paai4 zi2 (買開隻牌子) V very = hou2 (好) / fei1 soeng4 zi1 (非常之) / sap6 fan1 (十分) view = fung1 ging2 (風景) / ging2 sik1 (景色) the sights / scenic spots = ging2 dim2 (景點) visa = cim1 zing3 (簽證) visit (humans) = taam3 (探) visit (places) = caam1 gun1 (參觀) gun1 (官) = [v] observe/watch/behold / [n] view/sight/appearance/outlook/concept/point of view gun3 (官) = [n] Taoist temple W wait = dang2 (等) please wait = dang2 dang2 (等等) wait a moment = dang2 jat1 dang2 (等一等) verb + jat1 (一) + verb = verb for short time fan3 jat1 fan3 (瞓一瞓) = nap co5 jat1 co5 (坐一坐) = sit down a little zing2 jat1 zing2 (整一整) = fix quickly bump into = zong6 (撞) zong6 dou2 (撞到) = knock over/down/off leisure walk = saan3 bou6 (散步) wall = (bung6 (埲)) coeng4 (牆) wallet = ngan4/cin2/ho4 baau1 (銀/錢/荷包) ho4 (荷) = [n] lotus/water lily \| [synonym] lin4 (蓮) / [n] Holland lin4 (蓮) = lotus/lotus seed/water lily ho6 (荷) = [v] carry on one's shoulder or back / [adj] grateful; obliged; appreciated want = soeng2 (想) + must be followed by a verb plan (to do)/intend = daa2 syun3 (打算) syun3 (算) = to calculate/compute/figure/plan/project/scheme/guess/suppose/reckon/include/count/reckon in/consider/count/regard as/carry weight/matter/count/let it be/pass/go/that's enough! / [adv] finally/at long last gam2 syun3 laa1 (噉算啦) / syun3 baa1 laa1 (算吧啦) / syun3 liu5 (算了) = that's settled/enough already/forget about it [v] think/consider/suppose/hope/expect/plan/remember with longing/miss/want/would like to = soeng2 (想) rash/impulsive/excited / [n] impulse = cung1 dung6 (衝動) cung1 (動) = charge/rush/dash/thrust forth/burst into/soar/skyrocket/shoot up/rise rapidly/clash/collide/offend/thoroughfare/strategic place/hub/counterbalance/offset/cancel out/face/front on/direct towards/powerful/vigorous/relentless/(machine) stamp/punch/on the strength of/because of [v] intend/plan/mean / [n] intention/interest = ji3 juk6 (意欲) [v] want/wish/hope/desire/[literary] need/require/demand / [adv] about to/just going to/on the point of = juk6 (欲) taam1 (貪) = greedily want (only use in situation when the greediness is emphasised) keoi5 taam1 li1 go3 jan4 di1 cin2 (佢貪呢個人尐錢) = she/he greedily wants this person plural money. (Not so -tive) I greedily want this place convenient = ngo5 taam1 li1 gaan1 caan1 teng1 dei6 dim2 fong1 bin6/zau6 goek3 (我貪呢間餐廳地點方便/就腳) war = daa2 zoeng3 (打仗) / zin3 zang1 (lit.) (戰爭) zoeng3 (仗) = [n] battle/war/fight zoeng6 (仗) = [n] weapons/weaponry / [v] hold (a weapon)/uphold/rely on/depend on tiu1 zin3 (挑戰) = challenge tiu1 (挑) = poke/pick out/prick/hold sth up with a pole/provoke/incite/stir up/instigate/rising stroke in Chinese character/carry things with a shoulder pole/shoulder pole with its load/choose/choosy/pick/nit-pick zin3 (爭) = [n] war/fighting/battle / [v] fight/wage a war/contest/shiver/tremble/shudder warehouse = cong1 (倉) warm = nyun5 (暖) heater/radiator = nyun5 lou4 (暖爐) / electric radiator (電暖爐) nyun5 fung1 gei1 (暖風機) = warm wind machine warning = ging2 gou3 (警告) verbal = hau2 tau4 (口頭) wash = sai2 (洗) washing machine = sai2 ji1 gei1 (洗衣機) watch = biu1 (錶) water = seoi2 (水) waterfall = bok6 bou3 (瀑布) waves = bo1 (波) (also physics waves/unexpected changes or turn of events/motor gears/breasts/ball) wear = zoek3 (著) zoek3 gwo3 ge3 saam1 (著過嘅衫) = clothes that are worn put on (accessories)/wear/respect/support = daai3 (戴) hug somebody = laam2/pou5 zyu6 (攬/抱住) (both arms & longer time) laam2 laam5 (攬) = embrace/hug/hold in one's arms/take on (task)/take upon oneself/monopolize/attract (talented people)/solicit laam6 (攬) = loop (scarf, belt, etc) around/fasten with a rope pou5 zyu6 (抱住) = grip/tackle weather = tin1 hei3 (天氣) climate = hei3 hau6 (氣候) / tin1 si4 (天時) (used when referring to a hot climate) cold (temperature) = dung3 (凍) / laang5 (冷) air conditioner = laang5 hei3 gei1 (冷氣機) catch a cold = laang5 can1 (冷嚫) (cold injury) cold (formally in weather forecasts) = hon4 laang5 (寒冷) very cold/ice cold/frosty = dung3 bing1 bing1 (凍冰冰) very cold weather warning = hon4 laang5 tin1 hei3 ging2 gou3 (寒冷天氣警告) cool = loeng4 (涼) nice, cool and refreshing = loeng4 song2 (涼爽) cool down = cool down (due to hot weather) = siu1 syu2 (消暑) cool down (obj from being hot) = laang5 koek3 (冷卻) cloud = wan4 (雲) cloudy = do1 wan4 (多雲) dim sky = jam1 tin1 (陰天) jam1 (陰) = [adj] overcast/cloudy/gloomy/covert/crafty/treacherous / [n] shade/back side/dark side/yin (female/passive/negative principle in nature, as opposed to yang/ private parts (esp of the female)/nether world/Hades/hell/north of a hill or south of a river / [v] trick/cheat/betray flood = seoi2 zam3 (水浸) immerse/ gradually = zam3 (浸) forecast = jyu6 cak1 (預測) freeze = git3 bing1 (結冰) freezing = hon4 (寒) (shivering cold) fresh = cing1 ging6 (清勁) frost = bing1 dung3 (冰凍) good weather = hou2 tin1 (好天) hail = lok6 bok6 (落雹) hot = jit6 (熱) jit6 (熱) = heat/heated/burning/fever/earnest/ardent/zealous/enthusiastic/passionate extremely hot weather warning = huk6 yit6 tin1 hei3 ging2 gou3 (酷熱天氣警告) hot and stuffy = ai3/ngai3 guk6 (翳焗) humid = ciu4 sap1 (潮濕) / sap1 dou6 - humidity (濕度) wet = sap1 (濕) misty = jau5 mou6 (有霧) / mung4 lung4 (曚曨) ((of sunlight) dim; vague) fog/mist/hazy/vapour/fine spray = mou6 (霧) foggy = daai6 mou6 (大霧) (of moonlight) hazy/dim/condition at dusk = mung4 (曚) [n] the moon's brightness / rising moon = lung4 (曨) monsoon = gwai3 hau6 fung1 (季候風) gwai3 hau6 (季候) = seasonal mould = faat3 mou1 (發毛) raining = lok6 jyu5 (落雨) jyu5 (雨) = [n, adj] rain/rainy / [v] fall like rain light rain = mei4 mei4 jyu5 (溦溦雨) / mou4 mou4 jyu5 (毛毛雨) rainy = jyu5 tin1 (雨天) ? rainstorm warning signal = ? sik1 bou6 jyu5 ging2 gou3 (?色暴雨警告) rainbow = coi2 hung4 (彩虹) signal = seon3 hou6 (訊號) snowing = lok6 syut3 (落雪) thunder and lightning = haang4 leoi4 sim2 din6 (行雷閃電) temperature = wan1 dou6 (溫度) wan1 (溫) = warm/mild / [v] review/revise / temperature degrees = dou6 (度) ... below 0 (minus ...) = ling4 haa6 ... dou6 (零下...度) below ... (e.g. 10) degrees = m4 gau3 ... (e.g sap6) dou6 (唔夠十度) heatstroke = zung3 syu2 (中暑) tornado = lung4 gyun2 fung1 (龍捲風) typhoon = toi4 fung1 (颱風) / daa2 fung1 lok6 jyu5 (打風落雨) (used as a phrase for very stormy) typhoon signal ? = ? hou6 fung1 kau4 (?號風球) warning = ging2 gou3 (警告) very cold weather warning = hon4 laang5 tin1 hei3 ging2 gou3 (寒冷天氣警告) very hot weather warning = huk6 yit6 tin1 hei3 ging2 gou3 (酷熱天氣警告) wind = fung1 (風) strong wind = daai6 fung1 (大風) hair dryer/speed trap = fung1 tung2 (4) (筒) tung4 (筒) = [n] tube/cylinder/tube-shaped object/[mahjong] circle tiles/section of thick bamboo wui4 naam4 tin1 (回南天) = “return south weather” warm and humid monsoon from south, clash with dry cool draft from north -> condensation of water -> humidity up moon = jyut6 loeng6 (月亮) loeng6 (亮) = bright/lustrous/brilliant/luminous/radiant/clear/transparent/not opaque / [v] display/show/give a quick show just for a glance star = sing1 (sing1) (星(星)) planet = hang4 sing1 (行星) sun = jat6 tau2 (日頭) / taai3 joeng4 (太陽) shade = jam1 loeng4 dei6 fong1 (陰涼地方) shine upon/bask/dry in the sun/brightly sunlit = saai3 (嗮) sunburn = saai3 soeng1 (曬傷) soeng1 (傷) = wound/injury/cut/injure/grief/grieve/distressed/impede/impediment/hurt (feelings)/make sick sunlight = joeng4 gwong1 (陽光) bask in the sun = saai3 taai3 joeng4 (曬太陽) show off/boast = saai3 meng6 (晒命) to dry the laundry (out in the sun) = saai3 saam1 (曬衫) a triad show of force = saai3 maa5 (晒馬) to visit a brothel/to go to an hourly hotel = saai3 maa5 laam2 (曬馬纜) thick rope/cable = laam6 (纜) (same character on right but not left as wrap around laam6) blueprint/make a blueprint = saai3 tou4 (曬圖) diagram/chart/map/picture/portrait/seek/pursue/plan/scheme/conspire/intention/aim/purpose = tou4 (圖) to date on a moonlit night = saai3 jyut6 gwong1 (曬月光) suntanned = saai3 hak1 (曬黑) (of a room) to have exposure to the sun from the west = sai1 saai3 (西曬) well behaved = gwaai1 (乖) action/behaviour;/conduct/act = hang4 wai4 (行為) what = mat1 je5 (me13) (乜嘢) can also use to refer to all types = e.g. me13 (乜嘢) object dou1 what (do you mean/disapproval)? = haa2 (吓) what about ...? / It's better to... = bat1 jyu4 (不如) bat1 fong4 (不妨) = might as well/there is no harm fong4 (妨) = to interfere with/hinder/impede/obstruct/undermine/harm whatever/randomly = si6 daan6 (是但) what is your surname? = gwai3 sing3 aa3? (formal) (貴姓呀?) what is the number (phone)? = gei2 hou6 aa3? (幾號呀?) what time = gei2 dim2 (幾點) when? = gei2 si4 (幾時) at that time = go2 zan6 (si4) (嗰陣(時)) / go2 go3 si4 hau6 (only as a whole phrase) (嗰個時候) where = bin1 dou6 (邊喥/度) which/where/same as = bin1 (邊) here/there/where (referring to a place) = dou6 (喥/度) dou6 (喥/度) = here/there/where (referring to a place) [2] dou2 - roughly/approximately/almost (referring to a time) which = bin1 (measure word) (邊) while = hei2 lai4 (起嚟) why = dim2 gaai2 (點解) gaai2 (解) = [v] untie/separate/cut apart/relieve/dispel/solve/explain/interpret/elucidate gaai3 (解) = [v] send under guard/escort haai6 (解) = [v] understand/see the point / [n] acrobatic skills on horseback reason = jyun4 jan1 (原因) original/initial/primary/open country/plain/excuse/pardon/forgive = jyun4 (原) cause/reason/for because (of)/in accordance with/according to/on the basis of/in the light of/follow (a practice, convention, etc.) = jan1 (因) cause (sth undesirable) = gaau2 dou3 (搞到) / dou6 zi3 (導致) dou6 (導) = lead/guide/direct/instruct/teach/tutor/conduct/transmit zi3 (致) = deliver/send/express/extend/convey/present/incur/cause/result in/bring about/achieve/devote (one's efforts, etc) to/manner or style that engages attention the reason why/the whys and wherefores = so2 ji5 jin4 (所以然) wide (breadth of coverage e.g. syllabus) = gwong2 (廣) wide (physical) = fut3 (闊) will/would = wui5 (會) to be going to/be about to/will/shall/[chess] check!/nourish/support/take care of / [prep] used as a disposal marker very similar to 把 (baa2) with = ji4 (secondary information) (而) wood = muk6 (木) pine = cung4 (松) worker = gung1 jan4 (工人) worthwhile = zik6 dak1 (值得) world = sai3 gaai3 (世界) earth = dei6 kau4 (地球) dei6 tou4 (地圖) = map gaai3 (界) = boundary/limit/limit/demarcate/define/delimit/world dei6 zan3 (地震) = earthquake zan3 (震) = [v] shake/quake/shock/vibrate/be greatly excited/be deeply astonished / [n] one of the Eight Trigrams (八卦), symbolizing thunder worn (physical condition of something) = caan4 (殘) worry = daam1 sam1 (擔心) win = jeng4 (贏) cheat = ceot1 cin1 (出千) lose (in a match, game, etc) lose/be beaten/defeated / transport/convey/carry/transmit / contribute/donate (money) = syu1 (輸) syu1 jap6 (輸入) = to import/enter/input syu1 ceot1 (輸出) = to export/output syu1 sung3/wan6 syu1 (輸送/運輸) = to transport/carry/transit syu1 sit6 (輸蝕) = to suffer a loss jing6 syu1 (認輸) = admit defeat/give up syu1 gaa1 (輸家) = underdog fuk6 syu1 (服輸) = admit defeat wan6 syu1 cyu5 (運輸署) = Transport Department syu1 hyut3 (輸血) = transfuse blood/give a blood transfusion syu1 cin42 (輸錢) = to lose money (at gambling) zap1 syu1 (執輸) = miss out (some great opportunity) daa2 ding6 syu1 sou3 (打定輸數) / daa2 syu1 sou3 (打輸數) = to prepare for the worst soeng1 syu1 guk6 min6 (雙輸局面) = lose-lose situation gun3 syu1 (灌輸) = channel water to another place/imbue with/inculcate/instill into/teach/impart gun3 (灌) = irrigate/water/fill/pour/force sb to drink (water, alcohol, etc) / record (music/sound)/cut (disc) syu1 dou2 (輸賭) = make a bet dou2 (賭) = gamble/bet/wager syu1 zo2 (輸咗) / syu1 cin42 (輸錢) = to have lost money in gambling syu1 ngaang6 (輸硬) = lose unavoidably/sure loss syu1 dou3 lat1 fu3 (輸到甩褲) = to lose heavily syu1 sung3 daai3*2 (輸送帶) = conveyor belt jyun6 dou2 fuk6 syu1 (願賭服輸) = accept defeat with grace prize = zoeng2 ban2 (獎品) reward/award/prize/praise/commend/encourage = zoeng2 (獎) personality/product/commodity/a rank or grade in the government service in former times/appraise/rate/find out = ban2 (品) write = se2 (寫) write down = se2 dai1 (dai1 lower) (寫低) wrong = co3 (錯) X Y yawn = daa2 haam3 lou6 (打喊路) / fong3 man1 (放蚊) (release mosquitos) / daa2 ho1 him3 (打呵欠) you = lei5 (你) lastitem Z