中國人
zung1 gwok3 jan4
The Cantonese phrase for "chinese person" is 中國人 (zung1 gwok3 jan4).
中國人 is used to refer specifically to a person who is a citizen of the country of China.
Which one should you use?
中國人 (zung1 gwok3 jan4) specifically refers to a citizen of the country of China. It is distinct from terms used to describe ethnic Chinese people who may hold other nationalities.
How do you pronounce it?
zung1 gwok3 jan4
Did you know?
- If you are speaking to someone from Hong Kong, calling them 中國人 might cause confusion, as many locals prefer to identify by their specific regional identity or as 'Hong Kong people' rather than by their national citizenship.
- The word 國 in 中國人 literally means 'state' or 'country' and is visually composed of characters representing a 'border' and 'jewel'. This reflects an ancient view of the state as a precious treasure to be enclosed and protected.
- In Cantonese, the word 中 in 中國人 means 'middle' or 'central'. This stems from the historical belief that China was the center of the world, making the term literally 'person of the Middle Kingdom'.
Examples in context
- 都聽講中國人好識食。They say Chinese people are good at eating.
- 我係中國人。ngo5 hai6 zung1 gwok3 jan4.I am a Chinese person.
- 呢位係中國人。ni1 wai2 hai6 zung1 gwok3 jan4.This person is a Chinese person.
Example conversation
Two people are talking about their backgrounds at a party.
- 子健 Tsz Kin嘉欣，你係中國人咩？ga1 han1, nei5 hai6 zung1 gwok3 jan4 me1?Ka欣, are you a Chinese person?
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan唔係，我係香港人。m4 hai6, ngo5 hai6 hoeng1 gong2 jan4.No, I am a Hong Kong person.
- 子健 Tsz Kin咁你識唔識中國人？gam3 nei5 sik1 m4 sik1 zung1 gwok3 jan4?Then do you know any Chinese people?
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan識，我個同事係中國人。sik1, ngo5 go3 tung4 si6 hai6 zung1 gwok3 jan4.Yes, my colleague is a Chinese person.
