Before we start, let us first talk about beauty. As the dictionary defines it, beauty is a combination of qualities that please the aesthetic senses, especially sight. But today, with stereotypes and discrimination, beauty is a susceptible subject.
Just like what David Hume said, “Beauty in things exists in the mind which contemplates them.” We all know that physical beauty will fade, but inner beauty will last forever. Learning the different words to say beautiful in Cantonese is just a simple gesture to show your appreciation in the Cantonese language.
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How To Say Beautiful In Cantonese?
The definition of beauty has been continuously evolving. Nowadays, many people believe that beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself—someone who has the courage to show their true identity despite flaws and imperfections. Appreciating one’s beauty, no matter how simple, is a great value that we should have.
They say that “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” (各花入各眼 gok3 faa1 jap6 gok3 ngaan5).There are different ways to say beautiful in Cantonese (美麗 mei5 lai6). Here is a list of words used for Beautiful In Cantonese:
| Meaning | Cantonese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Beautiful | 美麗 | mei5 lai6 |
| Pretty | 靚 | leng3 |
| Charming; Attractive | 有魅力 | jau5 mei6 lik6 |
| Eye-catching | 搶眼 | coeng2 ngaan5 |
| Dazzling | 璀璨 | ceoi1 caan3 |
| beautiful girl | 靚女 | leng3 neoi5 |
1. 美麗 (mei5 lai6)
It means “Beautiful”. This is the common and easiest word to say beautiful in Cantonese. 美麗 (mei5 lai6) can be used in almost any situation, both formal and informal.
2. 靚 (leng3)
If you want to say “pretty” in Cantonese, it is 靚 (leng 3). Beautiful means attractive and possessing beauty, while pretty means pleasant in the senses. If you wonder when to use pretty or beautiful, there are many arguments and rules depending on your subject. But for now, this is a good starting point.
3. 有魅力 (jau5 mei6 lik6)
If you are new in the country and meet a good-looking person, 有魅力 (jau5 mei6 lik6) can also be used to describe them. It means “charming; attractive” This has more cutesy vibes.
4. 搶眼 (coeng2 ngaan5)
Some things will definitely catch your eye the first time you see them. If you want to say eye-catching, This is the best word to describe that amazing thing, no matter what shape or object in Cantonese you see.
5. 璀璨 (ceoi1 caan3)
Have you ever been to a formal party where ladies wear elegant and shiny dresses while gentlemen wear suits and ties? Everything is so dazzling, right? This is probably one of the perfect examples to use this word.
6. 靚女 (leng3 neoi5)
If you want to describe a girl, you will say 靚女 (leng3 neoi5)
If you are describing a guy who looks great, you may say 靚仔 (leng3 zai2).
Now that you have learned the different ways to say beautiful in Cantonese, the next thing you should do is practice the pronunciation. Please make sure to say these words correctly because the Cantonese pronunciation of the characters is essential.
More Sentences To Say Beautiful In Cantonese
After learning the correct words to say beautiful in Cantonese, let us now learn how to use them in a sentence. Even if you are not a native Cantonese speaker, you will surely learn this easily in a short period of time.
Here are some Cantonese phrases that you use when you want to express your appreciation for beauty.
| Meaning | Cantonese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| You’re beautiful | 你好靚 | nei5 hou2 leng3. |
| Your smile is beautiful | 你嘅笑容好靚 | nei5 ge3 siu3 jung4 hou2 leng3 |
| Your inside is even more beautiful than your outside | 你嘅內在美仲靚過你嘅外在美 | nei5 ge3 noi6 zoi6 mei5 zung6 leng3 gwo3 nei5 ge3 ngoi6 zoi6 mei5 |
| It’s really beautiful! | 好靚呀 | hou2 leng3 aa3 |
| This is a beautiful country | 呢個係一個美麗嘅國家 | ni1 go3 hai6 jat1 go3 mei5 lai6 ge3 gwok3 gaa |
| It’s a beautiful language | 呢個語言好好聽 | ni1 go3 jyu5 jin4 hou2 hou2 teng1 |
Take note, if you happen to encounter the phrase 你真漂亮！ (ni zhen piao liang！), do not be confused because it is the Mandarin translation for “You’re really beautiful!”. Just like what is stated above, Mandarin and Cantonese are both Chinese, but they have differences.
How TO Tell Hongkongers They Are Beautiful?
Hong Kong has beautiful gems and treasures that it can really call its own. One of these gems is, of course, its people. Local Hong Kongers are very particular about preserving their culture. They may share some fundamental core values with Mainland Chinese, but their pride in their heritage makes them one of a kind. Understanding Cantonese culture, ideals, and customs will make you fall in love not just with the country but with the people.
Another gem is their language, which is Cantonese. Although Mainland Chinese greatly influence Hong Kongers, they use different languages that are spoken in Hong Kong. Hong Kongers use Cantonese, while Mainland Chinese use Mandarin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beautiful In Cantonese
How To Say Gorgeous In Cantonese?
In Cantonese, “gorgeous” is 靚 (leng3). To tell someone they are gorgeous in Cantonese, you can say.” 你真係靚爆呀”(neih jan haih leng3 baau3 a3)
What Is a Cantonese Symbol For Beautiful?
There are a few symbols in Cantonese for beautiful, 美(mei5)and 靚 (leng3)are commonly used in spoken Cantonese to describe someone or something that is beautiful or pretty
How Do You Say Very Beautiful In Cantonese?
In Cantonese, “very beautiful” can be expressed as 好靚(hou2 leng3).
Channel Your Inner Hong Konger Within You, Use Ling Now!
If you would like to go to Hong Kong, you should probably learn to speak Cantonese to communicate with the locals. You should at least learn the basic Cantonese phrases for travel. Do you want to learn how to speak Cantonese? Worry no more because the Ling app is here for you!
Through this app, you will have Cantonese lessons that will enhance your skills in reading, writing, and speaking Cantonese. You can also read content like these to know more about their language. So, download the Ling app now!
