學 / 学
hok⁶ zaap⁶
The English verb 'learn' is translated into Cantonese as 學 / 学 (hok⁶ zaap⁶).
The verb 學 / 学 is used both for acquiring a skill (like learning a language) and for formal academic study.
Meaning: to acquire knowledge or ability (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The single character 學 / 学 means 'to learn' or 'to study'.
How do you pronounce it?
hok⁶ zaap⁶
Did you know?
- In many Cantonese-speaking communities, the term 學霸 is used to describe a 'study tyrant' or a top-performing student.
- In Cantonese, you can use 學 to mean 'to imitate' or 'to mimic' someone's behavior, not just to acquire knowledge.
- The character 學 contains a radical at the top that resembles a roof, symbolizing the setting of a school or a place of learning.
Examples in context
- 我喜歡學習語言I enjoy learning languages.
- 他在學經濟學He is studying economics.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “learn” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
