Cantonese

American  

[kan-tn-eez, -ees] / ˌkæn tnˈiz, -ˈis /

noun

1. a Chinese language spoken in Canton, the surrounding area of southern China, and Hong Kong.

2. a native or inhabitant of Canton, China.

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adjective

1. pertaining to Canton, China, its inhabitants, or their language.

Cantonese British  

/ ˌkæntəˈniːz /

noun

1. the Chinese language spoken in the city of Canton, Guangdong and Guanxi provinces, Hong Kong, and elsewhere outside China

2. a native or inhabitant of the city of Canton or Guangdong province

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adjective

1. of or relating to the city of Canton, Guangdong province, or the Chinese language spoken there

Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• Cantonese
  plural

Etymology

Origin of Cantonese

First recorded in 1855–60; Canton + -ese

Example Sentences

Founder Xu Jiayin, known as Hui Ka Yan in Cantonese, was reportedly held by police in 2023, with Evergrande saying he had been subjected to measures "due to suspicion of illegal crimes".

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

As Cantonese speakers, her parents, who settled the family in Quincy, Massachusetts, weren’t plugged into the parent-school network.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 21, 2025

Our order walks the line between Cantonese classics that would suit Hemingway’s taste and dishes that surprise then please.

From Salon • Jul. 12, 2025

Wang, an industrial designer, is Taiwanese, while Lin, a marketing MBA working in the legal field, is Cantonese.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2025

Lee spoke to them sharply in Cantonese and they were silent.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck