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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


745 results found

topic

Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to a subject matter that is less socially loaded, people-oriented or even gossipy. Usage: E.g. 成日都講人是非,可唔可以轉topic?(The conversation is always gossiping about others. Can we change the topic?)Synonym: 話題Reference: https://spencerlam.hk/blog/2022/02/01/group-discussion技巧/

insight

Definition: A code-mixing term used by overseas educated Hong Kongers when they want to ask for a deeper analytical understanding of something. Usage: E.g. 你睇完本書有咩insight? (What insights do you have after reading the book?)Synonym: 見解; 睇法Reference: https://www.lib.eduhk.hk/pure-data/pub/202301935/202301935_1.pdf

naughty

Definition: A code-mixing term that a Jayden Mami uses to refer to a more playful misbehaviour in a lighthearted way rather than describing a child genuinely bad and unmanageable that the Cantonese equivalent terms tend to denote. Usage: E.g. Jayden呀,唔好再咁naughty啦。你唔食菜,又唔飲湯,你唔會healthy架!(Jayden, don't be so naughty. If you don't eat vegetables and don't drink soup, you will not be healthy!)Synonym: 曳;百厭Reference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/dictionary/characters/7397/

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

respect

Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to show admiration, honour and politeness towards someone who they consider important regardless of age or level of authority. Usage: E.g. 你一個人做完成個project辛苦曬啦,Respect!(Thank you for having finished the entire project on your own. Respect!)Synonym: 尊重, 尊敬Reference: https://www.elle.com.hk/life/popular-slangs

type

Definition: A code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers often use when they want to tell someone politely that they are not the sort of person they want to be with or attracted to. Usage: E.g. 唔好意思,你唔係我個type。(Sorry, but you are not the type of person I want to be with.)Synonym: 種類Reference: https://www.dcard.tw/f/hkmacdaily/p/239885576/b/4-1

good question

Definition: A code-mixing term used by local Hong Kong students when they want to pause and think how to answer a question, even though it doesn't necessarily imply their ignorance. Usage: E.g. 唔識答就話that’s a very good question, 然後帶佢遊花園 (If you don't know how to answer, just say that's a very good question. Then beat around the bush.)Synonym: 問得好Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/2767347/page/3

say yes

Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers when they show acceptance towards something or someone. Even though it is often used in informal situations and not written down, it can sometimes be official enough like when a girl accepts a guy during a marriage proposal. Usage: E.g. 個女人未say yes直接搶佢隻手戴戒指。(The girl didn't even say yes and he grabbed her hand to put on the ring.)Synonym: 答應Reference: https://www.threads.com/@timorese2332/post/DVnTY5-jiQo?xmt=AQF0qy0bkiofGtnpzBvRV8K80eRv2Va6md233oSjBwnVGUCCMt_lLP7oN7zuNkcGOPG9nm0h&slof=1

invite

Definition: A Kongish code-mixing term that local Hong Kong students use to refer to treating someone a meal, such as lunch or dinner. Usage: E.g. Can you invite you to dinner today?Synonym: 請Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkP4AAqaKTk

appetizer

Definition: A code-mixing term that upper class Hong Kongers use to refer to a dish of food that is eaten before a meal to stimulate or whet one's appetite. Usage: E.g. D人未到,不如食個appetizer等住先啦?(People have not arrived yet. What about eating an appetizer while we wait?)Synonym: 前菜Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/2723472/page/2
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