號碼
hou maa
The Cantonese word for "number" is 號碼 (hou maa).
號碼 is used to refer to sequences used for identification, such as telephone numbers, room numbers or bus numbers.
Meaning: abstract entity used to describe quantity (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 號碼 is composed of 號 (hou2), meaning number or sign and 碼 (maa5), meaning code or number.
Which one should you use?
Use 數字 (sou6 zi2) when referring to a mathematical digit or a numerical value. In contrast, 號碼 (hou2 maa5) is used for identifying numbers like phone numbers or room numbers.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Hong Kong, the number 1 may be pronounced as yat.
How do you pronounce it?
hou maa
Did you know?
- The digit 4 is often avoided in 號碼 for room or floor numbering in Hong Kong because its pronunciation is very close to the word for 'death'.
- In some traditional Cantonese contexts, the word 號 (hou2) can also refer to a 'pseudonym' or an 'art name', treating a person's chosen identity as a kind of 'number' or label.
- The character 號 (hou2) in 號碼 can also mean a 'signal' or a 'shout'. This suggests that a 'number' was historically viewed as a distinct signal or a mark used to call something out.
Examples in context
- 我唔記得咗你個電話號碼。I forget your phone number.This sentence is useful for saying you have forgotten someone's phone number using 號碼.Tatoeba #458814 by nickyeow, translation #16966 by Zifre
- 可唔可以俾你電話號碼我？Can I have your telephone number?This sentence is useful for asking someone for their telephone number using 號碼.Tatoeba #6005118 by kaenif, translation #524051 by wma
- 我唔記得俾我電話號碼你。I forgot to tell you my phone number.This sentence is useful for stating that you forgot to provide your phone number using 號碼.Tatoeba #7988290 by nickyeow, translation #1887298 by CK
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Meiling is asking for Junjie's room number at a hotel.
- 美玲 Mei Ling俊傑，你間房個號碼係幾多？Jun Kit, nei gaan fong go hou maa hai gei do?Junjie, what is your room number?
- 俊傑 Chun Kit我個房號碼係三百零二。ngo go fong hou maa hai saam baak ling jiMy room number is 302.
- 美玲 Mei Ling唔該，我而家就去你房。m goi, ngo yi ga zau heoi nei fongThanks, I'm going to your room now.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit好，喺門口等我。hou, hai mun hau dang ngoOkay, wait for me at the door.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
