葡萄牙語
pou4 tou4 nga4 jyu5
The English phrase "portuguese" translates to the Cantonese language name 葡萄牙語 (pou4 tou4 nga4 jyu5).
葡萄牙語 refers specifically to the Portuguese language.
Meaning: the language (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 葡萄牙 (Portugal) and 語 (language).
How do you pronounce it?
pou4 tou4 nga4 jyu5
Did you know?
- The word for Portugal, 葡萄牙, literally translates to 'grape' 葡萄 and 'tooth/ivory' 牙.
- In Macau, you will see 葡萄牙語 listed as one of the two official languages on government documents, alongside Chinese.
- The word 葡萄 (grape) in 葡萄牙語 is a loanword from ancient Central Asian languages, not an original Chinese root.
Examples in context
- 對，他是葡萄牙人。Yes, he is Portuguese.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing language learning.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan俊傑，你有冇學過葡萄牙語？zyun3 git3, nei5 jau5 mou5 hok6 gwo3 pou4 tou2 nga4 jyu5?俊傑, have you ever studied Portuguese?
- 俊傑 Chun Kit我冇學過，點解問我？ngo5 mou5 hok6 gwo3, dim2 gaai3 man6 ngo5?I haven't, why do you ask?
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan我想搵個人一齊學葡萄牙語。ngo5 soeng2 wan2 yan4 jat1 cai4 hok6 pou4 tou2 nga4 jyu5.I want to find someone to learn Portuguese with.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit咁我諗你應該搵個老師。gam2 ngo5 lam2 nei5 jing1 goi1 wan2 go3 lou5 si1.In that case, I think you should find a teacher.
