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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


234 results found

parallel

Definition: A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to describe something that is going on simultaneously as another, such as a task or event. At other times, it can also be used to describe things happening outside of work such as love relationships. Usage: E.g. 呢兩個task幫我睇吓可唔可以同時parallel咁樣進行。(Help me see whether the two tasks can proceed at the same time.) E.g. 點解拍拖唔可以Parallel咁進行? (Why can't you date more than one person at the same time?)Synonym: 同時間Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3070535/page/1

friendly

Definition: Sometimes used with a negation particle such as '唔' meaning 'not' in Cantonese, this is a code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to describe something as not very kind and pleasant in a less direct and personal way, even though the word is usually used to describe a person. Usage: E.g. 你講得岩。香港揸車唔係咁friendly。(You are right. Driving in Hong Kong isn't very friendly.)Synonym: 友善

mind

Definition: A code-mixing term used by Hong Kongers to soften the tone when requesting for something, especially when the speaker does not want to be rejected. Usage: E.g. 你:mind唔mind我跟返呢個客? 同事:唔mind。 (你:介唔介意我跟返呢個客? 同事:介意。) E.g. 你:mind唔mind我坐喺到? 陌生人:唔mind。(你:介唔介意我坐喺到? 陌生人:介意。) E.g. 你:mind唔mind等我一陣? 老細:唔mind。 (你:介唔介意等我一陣? 老細:介意。)

gg

Definition: Derived from 'good game' in English, this is a code-mixing term that Hong Kongers use to refer to a bad situation, such as not completing work before a deadline. (完蛋了) Usage: E.g. 今晚做唔哂D野真係gg喇。點算呀?(完蛋了)Reference: https://www.csb.gov.hk/hkgcsb/eon/190/190/190_3.html

site visit

Definition: A code-mixing term that working class Hong Kongers like to use to refer to a physical inspection of a site in order to discuss the scope of work with contractors and foresee any potential problems. Usage: E.g. 進行project之前要做好site visit,以便理解好成個scope。Synonym: 實地考察

Never mind

Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to tell someone not to worry about something anymore, even though it may not sound polite to English speakers. Usage: E.g. Never mind啦。我地下次再約。 E.g. Never mind啦。我自己搞得掂。

hygiene

Definition: A code-mixing term that a "Jayden Mami" likes to use to refer more specifically to a person's habit in keeping clean, rather than the broader sense of cleanliness and sanitary conditions that the Cantonese equivalent term "衛生" denotes. Usage: E.g. Jayden,你攞人啲嘢食之前有冇做好hygiene呀?(Jayden, did you have good hygiene before grabbing somebody else's food?)Synonym: 衛生Reference: https://topick.hket.com/article/4112744/Jayden之亂|KOL拍片諷刺「Jayden媽」偽ABC育兒法%E3%80%80揭爆紅現象時間線-港媽式教仔金句

opportunity

Definition: A more sophisticated way of expressing chance (機會) in Cantonese, as the English term denotes prospect for advancement or success. Usage: E.g. 好多謝貴公司今日比呢個opportunity我地黎做個presentation.Synonym: 機會

outstanding

Definition: A code-mixing term that working class Hong Kongers like to use to describe something that is not yet done or paid. Usage: E.g. 依家仲有咩case係outstanding?Synonym: 未解決

shocked

Definition: A code-mixing term that a "Jayden Mami" likes to use to express unpleasant surprise while softening the tone in order to make sure the child isn't scared by the mother's emotional state. Usage: E.g. Jayden, 你喺邊到學人dye埋D hair架? Mami好shocked呀。(Jayden, who did you learn dying your hair from? Mami is so shocked.)Synonym: 驚訝; 震驚Reference: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXBG2f3kq7D/ (use mobile version)
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