China is one of the oldest civilization dating back to antiquity. For this reason, it has retained much of its historical context and culture, many of which are still practiced today. For many people, China can still be considered as a place that is on the dark side of the moon, but not until you [...]
May 032012
Due to the Olympic fever, a lot of travelers are eager to visit Hong Kong and see how this international city in South China assisted in the equestrian games.
I am a Hong Kong Chinese, and am born to speak Cantonese, so I am here to introduce some useful and interesting phrases for you to speak while traveling to Hong Kong. You might use them for daily greeting, bargaining or in a restaurant.
Learn Cantonese Phrases for Fun
Though everybody in Hong Kong speaks English, you would come across people saying some Cantonese phrases everyday. Knowing what they say would be fun. Speaking some Cantonese would be extra fun. You might even shock the locals.
Unlike Mandarin, Cantonese don’t have a standardized phonetic system. Hence there is no standard way of learning it. I have therefore base on the sound and try to make a close translation. Bear in mind, English tone is usually slightly higher than Cantonese. Read my Anna-invented translation, and try to lower your tone a bit. This will make your pronunciation more close to the real one.
Jo sun
Good morning
Mmm goi
Thank you – this is used in the same way as ‘thank you’ in English.
Dor tse
Thank you – for receiving a gift or a big favor, like someone introduce you a job or give you business. Therefore, when you buy something, the salesman will usually say ‘dor tse’ instead of ‘mmm goi’.
Lei ho ma?
How are you?
Or ho ho
I’m fine
Sik jor farn mei?
Have you eaten yet? This is an extremely common Cantonese phrase used to start a conversation. Chinese (not only Cantonese) usually show their caring of others by asking whether they’ve eaten yet.
Gei dor tsin?
How much?
Paang d la
Cheaper please
Fai d La
Hurry up please
Ho ho sik
Yummy, very delicious
Mai darn
Show me my bill. Say this after eating at a restaurant. You would hear people saying this when they are ready to pay and go.
Gung hei fat choi
Wish you making lots of lucky money. This is another extremely common Cantonese phrase. If you come to Hong Kong during Chinese New year, you would hear everybody saying this to each other. It is a Chinese tradition.
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