靚仔
leng zai
The Cantonese phrase for "handsome boy" is 靚仔 (leng zai).
靚仔 is a term used to describe a boy or young man who is physically attractive. While it literally means "handsome boy", it is frequently used as a casual way to address a young man or a male peer, similar to how one might say "hey, handsome" or "buddy" in certain contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 靚 (leng), meaning beautiful or handsome and 仔 (zai), meaning boy or small child.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
靚仔 is an informal term and is commonly used in casual spoken Cantonese rather than in formal writing. Adding 啊 to the end of the phrase, as in 靚仔啊, conveys a sense of familiarity and intimacy.
How do you pronounce it?
leng zai
Did you know?
- The character 靚 is used for both 'beautiful' and 'handsome' in Cantonese, whereas Mandarin typically uses different words for men and women. This makes 靚仔 a direct application of 'beauty' to a male.
- Despite the meaning, using 靚仔 to address a significantly older man can be seen as cheeky or slightly disrespectful, as the term implies a youthful status.
- In some Cantonese dialects, 靚 can also describe high-quality objects, like a 'beautiful' piece of fruit or a 'handsome' car, blurring the line between people and things.
Examples in context
- 你真係一個靚仔！You are such a handsome boy!
- 這位帥哥很有型！This handsome boy is very stylish!
- 嗰個靚仔好高。go2 go3 leng3 zai2 hou2 gou1.That handsome boy is very tall.
- 佢係一個靚仔。keoi5 hai6 jat1 go3 leng3 zai2.He is a handsome boy.
Example conversation
Hiu Tung and Zi Keung are talking about a celebrity in a cafe.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung志強，你覺得嗰個明星係咪靚仔？zi3 koeng4, nei5 gok3 dak1 go2 go3 ming4 sing1 hai6 mai6 leng3 zai2?Zi Keung, do you think that celebrity is a handsome boy?
- 志強 Chi Keung係呀，佢真係好靚仔。hai6 aa3, keoi5 zan1 hai6 hou2 leng3 zai2.Yes, he is truly a handsome boy.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung我好鍾意佢。ngo5 hou2 zung1 ji3 keoi5.I like him a lot.
- 志強 Chi Keung好多人都鍾意佢。hou2 do1 jan4 dou1 zung1 ji3 keoi5.Many people like him.
