Cantonese

[ kan-tn-eez, -ees ]

/ ˌkæn tnˈiz, -ˈis /

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noun, plural Can·ton·ese.

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

a native or inhabitant of Canton, China.

adjective

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

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of Cantonese

First recorded in 1855–60; Canton + -ese

Words nearby Cantonese

canto, canto fermo, canton, Canton crepe, Canton enamel, Cantonese, Canton flannel, canton ginger, Canton Island, cantonize, cantonment

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Cantonese in a sentence

In Cantonese cooking, the flavor of fresh fish is prized for its subtle sweetness.
How to make Cantonese sizzling fish|Daniela Galarza|July 22, 2021|Washington Post
He speaks Tagalog, Bahasa Indonesia, Malay, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
Richard Graham, the politician fortifying the UK-China trade relationship|Annabelle Timsit|May 18, 2021|Quartz
There will be 200 of our friends and family, a live band, and a Cantonese translator so that my mother can follow every part of the evening.
For LGBTQ Dreamers, no equality without citizenship|Antonio Xu Liu|March 18, 2021|Washington Blade
SEACA helped get them to residents, scheduling appointments from its waiting list of 2,500 people, translating documents for them and recruiting volunteers who are fluent in Cantonese, Taishanese, Teochew or Vietnamese.
How Inequity Gets Built Into America’s Vaccination System|by Maryam Jameel and Caroline Chen|March 1, 2021|ProPublica

In Macau, Cantonese restaurant Wing Lei Palace is the only new one-star restaurant, bringing the region’s total to nine one-star restaurants, compared to Hong Kong’s 50.
Michelin Announces 2021 Stars for Hong Kong and Macau|Monica Burton|January 27, 2021|Eater
Its language—Cantonese—is spoken only in neighboring Macau and Guangdong province.
Hackers Attack Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Websites|Brendon Hong|June 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Cantonese, with its individual characters, also forces rappers to adopt a staccato lyricism.
Why Won’t Hong Kong Get Down With Hip-Hop?|Tim Mak|June 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Then there is the Cantonese dish known as "dragon, tiger, and phoenix", made of snake, cat, and chicken.
Poisoning of CEO in Cat Stew Stirs Outrage Among Rights Activists|Dan Levin|January 6, 2012|DAILY BEAST
To find some of the best Cantonese in all of China, you won't even need to leave your hotel.
Fresh Picks|Michael White|March 18, 2011|DAILY BEAST
I grew up hearing Cantonese and then I studied Mandarin for a while.
The Girls of Paris, China|Sandra McElwaine|June 19, 2009|DAILY BEAST
They know us by the Cantonese laundrymen, the class which ranks with their lowest classes.
As A Chinaman Saw Us|Anonymous
Our lower classes, "coolies" from the Cantonese districts, have flocked to America.
As A Chinaman Saw Us|Anonymous
A Cantonese waiter paddled swiftly outside, bearing a lacquered tray and two steaming glasses.
The Argus Pheasant|John Charles Beecham
The superstitious Cantonese believed that the sunbeam which revealed the fatal flaw was a messenger sent from heaven!
Village Life in China|Arthur H. Smith
He brought thousands of Cantonese coolies into Hawaii, and his wealth began to grow.
The House of Pride|Jack London

British Dictionary definitions for Cantonese

Cantonese

/ (ˌkæntəˈniːz) /

noun

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

plural -ese a native or inhabitant of the city of Canton or Guangdong province

adjective

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012