靚仔
leng3 zai2
The Cantonese phrase for "pretty boy" is 靚仔 (leng3 zai2).
靚仔 means "handsome guy" or "pretty boy". While it can be used to describe someone, it is most commonly used as a colloquial way to directly address a male, similar to saying "hey handsome" or "young man" when interacting with service staff or ordering food.
Meaning: Translations (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 靚 (leng3), meaning "pretty" or "beautiful" and 仔 (zai2), a diminutive suffix used for males meaning "boy" or "guy".
Is it said differently in some regions?
This term is frequently used as a generic, friendly way to address a young man in Hong Kong and Guangdong.
How do you pronounce it?
leng3 zai2
Did you know?
- In traditional Cantonese opera and literature, the roles of 'pretty boys' were often played by women in the early stages of the art form, influencing the aesthetic of the 靚仔 ideal.
- While 靚仔 is friendly, using it with a superior or a much older man in a formal setting can be seen as disrespectful. The diminutive suffix 仔 can imply a lack of status or maturity.
- The word 靚 (leng3) is also used to describe food that looks delicious or aesthetically pleasing, not just people.
Examples in context
- 佢係一個靚仔。keoi5 hai6 jat1 go3 leng3 zai2.He is a pretty boy.
- 個仔好靚仔。go3 zai2 hou2 leng3 zai2.The boy is very handsome.
- 呢個靚仔好有型。ni1 go3 leng3 zai2 hou2 jau5 jing4.This pretty boy is very stylish.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a photo of a celebrity.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting呢個靚仔真係好型呀！ni1 go3 leng3 zai2 zan1 hai6 hou2 jing4 aa3!This pretty boy is really stylish!
- 俊傑 Chun Kit係呀，佢好靚仔。hai6 aa3, keoi5 hou2 leng3 zai2.Yes, he is a pretty boy.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting你鍾意佢呀？nei5 zung1 ji3 keoi5 aa3?Do you like him?
- 俊傑 Chun Kit我只係覺得佢好靚仔。ngo5 zi2 hai6 gok3 dak1 keoi5 hou2 leng3 zai2.I just think he is a pretty boy.
