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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


523 results found

enjoy

Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to taking pleasure from doing something. Sometimes, it can also be used intransitively as a verb to describe a state of mind where one is having a good time. Usage: E.g. 每次暴雨或者打風,唔知點解我都好enjoy。(Whenever there is heavy rain or typhoon, I don't know why I really enjoy it.)Synonym: 享受Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3973322/page/1

caring

Definition: A more broad and general code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to having concern, kindness and empathy towards others but not to the point of being so loving. Usage: E.g. 之前都識左個男仔, 一開始都好nice 好caring, 突然有一日係車鬧左我成個鐘。(I used to know a guy who was very nice and caring at the start, but there came a day where he suddenly scolded me for an hour in the car.)Synonym: 關心別人;有愛心Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3665573/page/28

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

sell

Definition: A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to refer to an exchange of goods or services for money, but often with an extra service of persuading and pushing the customer to buy something they don't want to buy at all. Usage: E.g. 個sales明明係sell野但係又講到唔係。(The salesperson was actually selling and pitching his product but he said he wasn't.)Synonym: 賣野; 推廣 Reference: https://www.discuss.com.hk/viewthread.php?tid=27464402

push

Definition: (verb) A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to persuading someone forcefully to do or achieve something. Usage: E.g. 資優學生唔需要push佢地做,係咁依點下就ok。(There is no need to push talented students, as you just need to guide them casually.)Synonym: 逼迫;催逼Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/337010/page/1

open-minded

Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to describe being receptive to new ideas but not to the point of so expansive by opening boundaries. Usage: E.g. 我係一個open-minded既人,但係唔代表我內裡open。(I am an open-minded person, but that doesn't mean I am open on the inside. XD)Synonym: 思想開放; 開明Reference: https://hinative.com/questions/26265836

cover

Definition: (verb) A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers when they ask whether one has enough money for expense rather than having sufficient money itself. Usage: E.g. 今個月cov唔cover到租金? (Can you cover the rent this month?)Synonym: 足夠支付Reference: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/zht/詞典/英語-漢語-繁體/cover

hesitate

Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to having a brief pause before acting rather than being so indecisive and not knowing what to do. Usage: E.g. 我都覺小貴,所以hesitate緊。不過真係好靚。(I think it's a bit expensive so I am hesitating. But it's really beautiful.)Synonym: 猶豫Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3167329/page/27

struggle

Definition: (verb/adj.) A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to a less intense emotional state due to trivial matters. Usage: E.g. 好Struggle買唔買ps5。 (Really struggling on whether to buy Playstation 5.) E.g. 我仲struggle緊今晚食D咩好。(I'm still struggling on what to eat tonight.)Synonym: 掙扎Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3519800/page/1

preference

Definition: A code-mixing term used by westernised Hong Kongers to express a choice in something without stating their favour or to avoid sounding picky. Usage: E.g. 我今晚既preference係食西餐,但係又唔代表我成日都鍾意。(My preference is western cuisine tonight, but that doesn't mean I like it all the time.)Synonym: 偏愛; 偏好; 優先選擇Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3316788/page/27
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