Define Your Term | Login
What is code-mixing? | Mission | About | Learn More | Downloads | Lectures | Videos |
Instagram Instagram
English | Chinese

Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


639 results found

proud of

Definition: A code-mixing term used by a Jayden Mami to express admiration and honour towards a child without sounding too arrogant, self-important or dramatic as the Cantonese equivalent terms denote. Usage: E.g. Jayden呀,你今次考試一百分呀?Mami好proud of你呀。(Jayden, you got 100 marks in this exam? Mami is so proud of you!)Synonym: 驕傲;以你為榮;自豪Reference: https://chinese.stackexchange.com/questions/32423/does-the-usage-of-the-word-proud-骄傲-自豪-or-而荣-in-chinese-differ-from-that-i
Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use to strongly express promise in doing something when the other person does not believe in you. (批個頭比你當凳坐) Usage: E.g. If I don't return my money back to you by tomorrow, then I cut my head and let you sit on it as a chair!!!Synonym: 批個頭比你當凳坐Reference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,139574,139575

seed

Definition: Known as Kongish and used as '有種' (have seed), this is a code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to refer to not being afraid or having the guts to do something. Usage: E.g. If you have seed, then I will give you some colour see see! (有種)Reference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,139574,139575

signature

Definition: A code-mixing term that local Hong Kongers like to use to refer to a distinctive characteristic by which someone or something can be identified. Usage: E.g. 中英夾雜絕對係香港人signature。 E.g. 呢碟菜就係呢間餐廳既signature。Synonym: 標誌,招牌菜Reference: https://www.threads.net/@hongtonese/post/C8zlfwZytLZ

day off

Definition: A code-mixing phrase used by working class Hong Kongers when they want to sound less intentional about applying for leave. Usage: E.g. 記住我聽日day off,有D咩事唔好搵我。(Remember I am taking a day off tomorrow. Please don't bother me if there is anything.)Synonym: 請假; 放假Reference: https://www.reddit.com/r/Cantonese/comments/1g1dmdg/請問_香港_係講_工作天_唔講工作日/

enough ginger

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use to refer to having enough guts to do something. (夠薑) Usage: E.g. If you have enough ginger, then fight me!Synonym: 夠薑Reference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,139574,139575

focus

Definition: (verb) A code-mixing term used by local Hong Kong students to refer to a less physical directing of attention onto something. Sometimes, it may be used in order to avoid sounding like one has ADHD. Usage: E.g. 老師,我頭先focus唔到聽書,可唔可以再講多次?(Teacher, I really can't focus on listening to your lecture. Can you repeat again?)Synonym: 專注; 集中Reference: https://www.instagram.com/p/CynQSwpSd-P/?img_index=5 (use mobile version)

work

Definition: A code-mixing term used by Hong Kongers to emphasize the reality of a situation, as even lovers have a working relationship sometimes. In other cases such as a workplace, it is simply to match the working atmosphere. Usage: E.g. 你:我地之間唔係好work呀,你明唔明呀?男/女朋友:明白。(你:我地之間唔係好得呀,你明唔明呀?男/女朋友:你講緊邊方面唔得呀?!) E.g. 你:個program唔work呀。老細:哦。(你:個program唔得呀。老細:又唔得!)

exposure

Definition: A code-mixing term used by overseas educated Hong Kongers to refer to being able to gain experience of something by being in a particular environment rather than having physical contact with something. However, it is not to be confused with public exposure. Usage: E.g. 學習語言要夠exposure。(Learning a language needs enough exposure.) E.g. 做開大行去細行一定唔慣,exposure 又細啲,資源又小啲。(It must be hard getting used to working in a small company if you came from a large company. There is less exposure and resources are also less.)Synonym: 接觸Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/2363704/page/1

briefing

Definition: A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to refer to a meeting that highlights the key points rather than something that is more like a presentation. Usage: E.g. 返工要提前返去briefing又唔計工時係咪犯法?(Is it illegal for an employee to go to work earlier for a briefing but not pay them salary?)Synonym: 簡報會Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/2566840/page/1
Define Your Term | Learn More