Imaginative Cantonese Ideophones

The word “Ideophone” is often defined as “a vivid representation of an idea in sound” (Doke 1935:118). Ideophones can evoke a vivid impression of a certain sensation or perception, such as sound, smell, colour, shape, action, movement, etc., among the listeners.

While ideophones may not be considered a distinct class of words in the traditional sense, like verbs and nouns, by many, they do represent a unique group of words based on their form and meaning. Cantonese, in particular, offers some of the most imaginative ideophones that I have ever seen. It is quite a pity that fewer and fewer youngsters nowadays use, or even know, these interesting words. I’m just collecting some of the fun ones here trying to preserve some of my fondest memories.

Please feel free to contact me (Zmx5aW5nQGZseWluZy13Lm5ldA==) shall you want to share your collection of Cantonese ideophones.

• aa
• a
• e
• o
• u
•  
• b
• p
• m
• f
• d
• t
• n
• l
• g
• k
• gw
• kw
• ng
• h
• z
• c
• s
• w
• j