王子
wong4 zi2
The Cantonese word for 'prince' is 王子 (wong4 zi2).
王子 refers to the son or male-line grandson of a reigning monarch. In a metaphorical sense, it is also frequently used to describe a handsome or charming young man, similar to the English expression 'Prince Charming'.
Meaning: son or male-line grandson of a reigning monarch (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 王 (wong4), meaning king or monarch and 子 (zi2), a suffix used for males or a way to denote a son/descendant.
Is it said differently in some regions?
皇子 is a term used in some regions to refer to a 'prince'.
How do you pronounce it?
wong4 zi2
Did you know?
- A man who acts like a 王子 in a relationship might be described as having 王子病 ('prince disease'), meaning he has an inflated sense of self-importance.
- In romantic Cantonese slang, calling someone a 王子 can sometimes be teasing or sarcastic if the man is perceived as being too pampered or 'spoiled'.
- When referring to princes in historical dramas, Cantonese speakers often use specific titles based on the prince's rank, such as 太子 for the Crown Prince.
Examples in context
- 小王子好有魅力!The Little Prince is charming
- 皇子係未來嘅國王The prince is the future king
- 嗰個王子好英勇。go2 go3 wong2 zi2 hou2 jing1 jung6.That prince is very brave.
- 故事入面嘅王子好靚仔。gu3 si6 jap6 min6 ge3 wong2 zi2 hou2 leng3 zai2.The prince in the story is very handsome.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a fairy tale book at a cafe.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting你鍾意呢個故事入面嘅王子嗎？nei5 zung1 ji3 ni1 go3 gu3 si6 jap6 min6 ge3 wong2 zi2 maa1?Do you like the prince in this story?
- 俊傑 Chun Kit係呀，我覺得佢好大方。hai6 aa3, ngo5 gok3 dak1 keoi5 hou2 daai6 fong1.Yes, I think he is very generous.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting俊傑，你覺得佢係咪好型？zeon3 kit6, nei5 gok3 dak1 keoi5 si6 mai6 hou2 jing4?Chun Kit, do you think he is cool?
- 俊傑 Chun Kit係呀，佢真係好型。hai6 aa3, keoi5 zan1 hai6 hou2 jing4.Yes, he really is cool.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
