How to Say "Government" in Cantonese

政府

The English word "government" is translated into Cantonese as 政府.

政府 is a common general term used to translate "government", referring to a body with the power to make and/or enforce laws.

Meaning: body with the power to make and/or enforce laws (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

The word is composed of 政, which means government or politics and 府, which means a government office or government body.

Cantonese speakers may use 官 to refer to a government official, a word that literally means 'official' but is also the same character used for the 'official' in a sports match.
The character 府 originally referred to a 'mansion' or 'residence', reflecting a history where the 'government' was physically synonymous with the ruler's home.
The word 政 is used in the Cantonese term 政客 to mean 'politician', but unlike the English word 'politician', 政客 often carries a more cynical or negative connotation.

政府有幾種形態。
There are several forms of government.
This sentence is useful for describing the different forms of 政府.
Tatoeba #4646336 by kaenif, translation #271366 by CK
佢哋選出咗新政府。
They have elected a new government.
This sentence shows how a new 政府 can be elected.
Tatoeba #5777460 by nickyeow, translation #503816 by CK
政府印多啲錢咪得囉？
Can't the government just print more money?
This sentence illustrates a question regarding the 政府 printing money.
Tatoeba #5798979 by nickyeow, translation #5798980 by nickyeow
香港政府十分重視行政工作。
The Hong Kong government attaches great importance to administrative work.
澳門政府為市民提供多種服務。
The Macau government provides a variety of services to its citizens.
當局決定增加福利措施。
The government has decided to increase welfare measures.
12 more sentences on Tatoeba

Two friends are discussing a new city policy.

子健 Tsz Kin

你覺得政府個計劃好唔好？
nei5 gok3 dak1 zing3 fu6 go3 gai3 waak6 hou2 m4 hou2?
Do you think the government's plan is good?
雅婷 Nga Ting

我覺得政府做得唔夠好。
ngo5 gok3 dak1 zing3 fu6 zou6 dak1 m4 gau3 hou2.
I think the government hasn't done it well enough.
子健 Tsz Kin

咁你希望政府點樣改？
gam2 nei5 hei1 mong6 zing3 fu6 dim2 joeng2 goi2?
So how do you hope the government changes it?
雅婷 Nga Ting

政府應該聽多啲市民意見。
zing3 fu6 jing1 goi1 ting1 do1 di1 si6 man4 ji3 gin3.
The government should listen to more citizens' opinions.

Sources

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