Cantonese

American  

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

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.

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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

Etymology

Origin of Cantonese

First recorded in 1855–60; Canton + -ese

Example Sentences

It’s the only resort in the Maldives with a Zuma, and its Cantonese restaurant, Li Long, a Peking duck expert from Beijing, helms the country’s first wood-fired oven.

From Salon • Dec. 27, 2025

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

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

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2025

Festooned with Cantonese lanterns, the ball in the distance looked like a cruise ship at sea.

From "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli