hong kong: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

B2
UK/ˌhɒŋ ˈkɒŋ/US/ˌhɑːŋ ˈkɑːŋ/

Neutral to formal

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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.

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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

strong
return ofgovernment ofpeople ofvisit tobased in
medium
stock marketinternational airportspecial statusbusiness hubskyline of
weak
vibrantcrowdedbusyformer colonyfinancial

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

the SARHK

Weak

the Fragrant Harbour (translation of the name)the Pearl of the Orient

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

Fill in the gap
After 1997, Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region of .
Multiple Choice

What is the official status of Hong Kong?

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