Kantonian

Kantonian is a rarely used English demonym and adjective historically applied to people or things associated with Canton, the southern Chinese port city now known as Guangzhou, or with the broader Cantonese-speaking region in Guangdong Province. The form derives from Canton, with variants such as Kanton, Cantão, or Canton in various languages; the suffix -ian is a common English way to form demonyms and adjectives.

In older English literature and some scholarly works, Kantonian can be found describing inhabitants of Canton or aspects of Cantonese culture, commerce, or society. However, it is not standard in contemporary usage. Most modern writers prefer Cantonese to denote the language, and Cantonese-speaking people, or residents of Guangdong, to describe demography and culture more precisely.

Geography and history: The Canton area centers on the Pearl River Delta, with Guangzhou as its historical capital. The region has long been a major commercial hub, prominent in maritime trade, migration, and cultural exchange, shaping its distinctive cuisine, architecture, and performing arts.

Notes on usage: Because Kantonian can be ambiguous, editors often avoid it in favor of Cantonese-related terms. If used, it should be clearly defined in context to avoid conflating language, ethnicity, and geography.

See also: Cantonese, Guangzhou, Guangdong, Pearl River Delta.