Ways to say it
| Cantonese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 互聯網 / 互联网 | wu⁶ lyun⁴ mong⁵ |
| 網際網絡 / 网际网络 | mong⁵ zai³ mong⁵ lok⁶ |
The term for the internet in Cantonese varies depending on the context and level of formality. While 互聯網 / 互联网 is a standard way to refer to the global network of computers, you may also encounter shorter or more specialized terms. To say 'to go online' or 'to surf the internet', Cantonese speakers typically use the verb phrase 上網.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 互聯網 literally means 'interconnected network'.
Which one should you use?
There are different ways to refer to the internet based on the desired level of precision. 網際網絡 / 网际网络 is a more formal, technical term often found in broadcasting or official documents. 網絡 is a term used in formal settings to describe the internet, whereas the single character 網 is an informal way of referring to it.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization for 互聯網 / 互联网 is wu⁶ lyun⁴ mong⁵.
Did you know?
- When referring to 'internet celebrities', Cantonese uses the term 網紅, where 紅 means 'red'. In this context, 'red' is a metaphor for being popular or 'hot'.
- The word for 'network' 網 is the same character used for 'fishing net'. This creates a vivid mental image of a 'web' that is deeply rooted in the language's maritime history.
- While 上網 means 'to go online', the character 上 literally means 'up' or 'above'. In Cantonese, this suggests 'mounting' or 'boarding' the network, similar to boarding a train.
Examples in context
- 你有冇去網上搵資料？Did you search for information on the internet?
- 我每天都上網追劇。I go online to watch dramas every day.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “internet” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
