
Cantonese
Cantonese is a major Chinese language primarily spoken in Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangdong province. It belongs to the Sino-Tibetan language family and is known for its complex tonal system, featuring six to nine tones, which can change the meaning of words. Cantonese has a rich cultural heritage, with its own slang and idioms distinct from Standard Mandarin. It is widely used in everyday conversation, popular media, and traditional Chinese opera. While Mandarin is the official language of China, Cantonese holds significant cultural and social importance, especially in overseas Chinese communities.