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


10 random words out of 725 results

cheap

Definition: (adj.) A euphemistic way of saying 'cheap' in Cantonese. Usage: E.g. 喂,你唔洗咁cheap嘛? E.g. 你正cheap精黎架! E.g. Cheap到咁樣,我真係第一次見。Synonym: 低俗

surprised

Definition: Often pronounced without the 'd', this is a neutral-sounding code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers when they are not sure which Cantonese equivalent word to use when something unexpected happens. Usage: E.g. 哇,你考試咁高分,我好surprised呀。(Wow, you scored a high mark in your exam. I'm so surprised.) E.g. 哇,你最近減肥呀?我好surprised呀。 (Wow, you went on a diet recently? I'm so surprised.) E.g. 哇,你有男朋友?我好surprised呀。(Wow, you got a boyfriend? I'm so surprised.)Synonym: 驚喜,驚訝Reference: https://tsangyoksing.hk/2009/10/06/輕音節的正確讀法/

pull a cow up the tree

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe strenuous tasks that are almost impossible to complete. Usage: E.g. Getting my son to do homework is like pulling a cow up the tree!Synonym: 拉牛上樹Reference: https://www.localiiz.com/post/culture-local-stories-popular-cantonese-idioms

It's even worse

Definition: A code-mixing phrase used by overseas educated Hong Kongers to describe something as more inferior in quality than another without saying it's of bad quality. Usage: E.g. 我去過呢間bar。It's even worse!Synonym: 更加差Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3047481/page/1

which is

Definition: A code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers tend to use instead of the Cantonese equivalent words '即係'. Usage: E.g. 今日呢個demo係做比大家睇既,which is:如果你地有D咩問題想問關於呢個project,或者你地覺得有D咩地方可以再做好D,請隨便發問或者提議。

ride an ox to look for a horse

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use to describe working for a job while looking for a better one. (騎牛搵馬 - ke4 ngau4 wan2 maa5) Usage: E.g. Look for a job first! You can always ride an ox while looking for a horse!Synonym: 騎牛搵馬Reference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,139574,139575

for

Definition: A code-mixing term often used by working class Hong Kongers to indicate the purpose of a product, in order to pitch and sell it to a customer. Usage: E.g. 呢個app係for你地客戶用架,令到你地方便好多。 E.g. 呢樣產品係for女士用架,尤其係貪靚嗰D。Reference: https://cantowords.com/dictionary/for#w100337

night cat / ghost

Definition: A Kongish code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use to describe someone who sleeps very late and doesn't wake up early. Similar to 'night owl' in English. (夜貓/夜鬼) Usage: E.g. Maintain good health by sleeping early! Don't be a night cat / night ghost! Synonym: 夜貓/夜鬼Reference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/dictionary/words/55996/

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

goldfish man

Definition: Known as Kongish and originated from a story where a man used to lure children by promising to buy them goldfish, this is a code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to refer to a paedophile. (金魚佬) Usage: E.g. Stop buying me chocolate and lure me like a goldish man!Synonym: 金魚佬Reference: https://www.scmp.com/sites/default/files/styles/486w/public/images/methode/2016/01/21/c10168a8-bff3-11e5-9503-d84cbca18933_486x.jpg?itok=sF-XAnJn
Define Your Term | Learn More