hong kong: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal
Quick answer
What does “hong kong” mean?
A Special Administrative Region of China, located on the south-eastern coast, known as a major global financial and trading hub.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Special Administrative Region of China, located on the south-eastern coast, known as a major global financial and trading hub.
A former British colony returned to China in 1997; a densely populated metropolis characterized by its iconic skyline, vibrant culture, and unique 'one country, two systems' political status.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage. Spelling is consistent. British English historically had a closer political connection.
Connotations
In British English, may carry historical colonial connotations. In American English, often associated with finance, trade, and film.
Frequency
Similar frequency. Higher in UK media historically; currently similar due to global news coverage.
Grammar
How to Use “hong kong” in a Sentence
[PREP] in Hong Kong[VERB] Hong Kong[ADJ] Hong Kong [NOUN]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hong kong” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Hong Kong-based company
- Hong Kong identity card
American English
- Hong Kong-style dim sum
- Hong Kong policy act
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the financial market, corporate headquarters, or trade regulations (e.g., 'Listed on the Hong Kong exchange').
Academic
Discussed in geopolitics, economics, or post-colonial studies (e.g., 'Hong Kong's autonomy under the Basic Law').
Everyday
Used for travel, cuisine, or origin of products (e.g., 'We're flying via Hong Kong').
Technical
In legal or political contexts, refers to its special administrative status.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hong kong”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hong kong”
- Misspelling as 'Honk Kong' or 'Hongkong' (though the latter is sometimes used in compound proper names).
- Using 'in Hong Kong city' – 'Hong Kong' is the city/region, so 'in Hong Kong' is sufficient.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Hong Kong is not a sovereign country. It is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many nationals can visit for tourism for periods ranging from 7 to 180 days without a visa.
The official languages are Chinese (primarily Cantonese) and English. Mandarin usage is increasing.
The name 'Hong Kong' is a rough phonetic translation of the Cantonese name 'Heung Gong', which means 'Fragrant Harbour'.
A Special Administrative Region of China, located on the south-eastern coast, known as a major global financial and trading hub.
Hong kong is usually neutral to formal in register.
Hong kong: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhɒŋ ˈkɒŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhɑːŋ ˈkɑːŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a busy harbour (KONG) with a fragrant (HONG) smell from incense and trade.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BRIDGE (between East and West, capitalism and socialism).
Practice
Quiz
What is the official status of Hong Kong?