Cantonese

[kan-tn-eez, -ees]

noun

plural

Cantonese 

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

2. a native or inhabitant of Canton, China.

adjective

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

Cantonese

/ 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

adjective

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Cantonese¹

First recorded in 1855–60; Canton + -ese

Example Sentences

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

From Salon

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

From Los Angeles Times

It is likely to help him reach more voters: English proficiency is low - at about 25% to 26% - among Australians who primarily speak Mandarin or Cantonese at home, according to government data.

From BBC

Claudia Mo, known affectionately in Cantonese as Auntie Mo, is among the most well known of the group.

From BBC

But there are also dozens of other languages including Cantonese, Thai, Punjabi and Hindi.

From Los Angeles Times