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

But to try one of Vancouver’s most beloved Chinese restaurants, make for Chinatown BBQ, where the checkerboard floors and hanging meat evoke a classic Cantonese chopshop.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 27, 2025

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

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

A gang of usually three women act out a well-rehearsed script in Cantonese for an audience of one - the unsuspecting victim.

From BBC • Oct. 16, 2024

Mrs. Kuen finally broke the strained silence and addressed me in Cantonese.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu