HKDictionary

Describing People in Cantonese

Want to compliment a friend, or tease them? These are the words Hong Kong people actually use to describe each other — 靚仔 and 靚女 are so common they double as friendly ways to address strangers.

leng3/1靚zaiˊ²仔
a bowl of steamed rice (waiter slang)
leng3/1靚neoiˊ²女
(Eng. coll.) babe; chick [Syn.] 令女
聰明
clever, smart
勤力
hardworking
懶
lazy
gouˉ¹高
of a high level or degree; above the average
aiˊ²矮
short person; dwarf
feiˎ₄肥
fat; plump; chubby | [antonym] 瘦
sau˗₃瘦
thin; lean; skinny; emaciated; slim
houˊ²好janˎ₄人
a good egg; a good sort; good person
搞笑
funny
hoiˍ₆害sauˉ¹羞
shy | [粵]: 怕醜

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Frequently asked questions

How do you say handsome in Cantonese?

靚仔 (leng1 zai2) — a handsome young man. Shopkeepers and waiters often call out 靚仔! to get a young man's attention.

How do you say pretty in Cantonese?

靚 (leng3) means pretty or good-looking; 靚女 (leng1 neoi2) is a pretty girl, and also a friendly way to address a young woman.

How do you say smart in Cantonese?

聰明 (cung1 ming4). A colloquial alternative is 叻 (lek1), meaning capable or clever.

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