Do you fancy studying or working abroad in Hong Kong, but don’t speak Cantonese as your first language? Or maybe you want to know how good your Cantonese is after months of hard work? No worries, we’ve got you covered! 

Today on CantoneseClass101.com, we’ll be providing you with a summary of the most popular Cantonese language exams—so read on!

Table of Contents

1. Benefits of Taking a Cantonese Language Exam
2. What Cantonese Language Exams are There?
3. COPA (CUHK)
4. ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI)
5. Other Exams: GCSE Cantonese & HKDSE Chinese
6. Bonus: Tips on Preparing for Your Cantonese Proficiency Exam
7. How CantoneseClass101.com Can Help You Learn More Cantonese

1. Benefits of Taking a Cantonese Language Exam

There are lots of reasons why taking a Cantonese test can be good for you (and your studies)! In the following sections, we’ll go over the top benefits you can expect from doing so.

1. It will improve the way you learn.

Taking tests and exams will give you a better idea of your current Cantonese proficiency level. This knowledge will allow you to see if there are any gaps between reality and your expectations. If so, you can do some reflection to figure out the best way to improve your studies and learning habits.

When you sit for an exam, you’ll have to recall and apply what you’ve learned. So making your studies more targeted allows you (or forces you) to remember useful information. It also improves your ability to apply what you’ve learned in new contexts. 

2. It will increase your motivation.

Before an exam, people tend to study harder than ever. With a goal or target in mind (and the exam fees you paid), you’ll have a greater urge to study and improve your Cantonese.

3. It will demonstrate your Cantonese abilities to others.

If you’re looking to work in Hong Kong and want to impress your potential employer, getting a good Cantonese exam score will help a lot. Not only does it prove that you know Cantonese, but it also proves that you’re resilient and a great learner. Afterall, Cantonese is one of the hardest languages in the world!

2. What Cantonese Language Exams are There?

Unlike IELTS for English-learners or JLPT for Japanese-learners, there are no government-administered Cantonese language tests in Hong Kong. However, we do have some oral tests designed for Cantonese language learners. The two most common tests are COPA (offered by the Chinese University of Hong Kong [CUHK]) and OPI (offered by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages [ACTFL]).

There are also two more comprehensive Cantonese examinations: GCSE Cantonese and HKDSE Chinese. They’re actually part of the public examination designed for secondary school students. 

GCSE is a test that fifteen- and sixteen-year-olds must pass in order to graduate from the Key Stage 4 phase of their secondary education in either England, Northern Ireland, or Wales. HKDSE is Hong Kong’s university entrance examination, administered upon completion of a three-year senior secondary education.

3. COPA (CUHK)

1. Introduction

The COPA Cantonese exam is an adaptation of the Chinese Speaking Test (CST) developed by the Center for Applied Linguistics in the United States. 

Duration: 30-45 minutes

The examinee hears the test instructions and questions in their mother tongue (English, Japanese, or Korean) from a master tape, and then responds in the foreign language he or she is learning (Cantonese or Putonghua). Tasks cover a wide range of topics and speech functions, and responses are evaluated by two specially trained COPA raters.

The rationale in scoring the COPA is to find the level at which the examinee consistently fulfills the speaking functions. Each COPA task presents the examinee with a speaking task of a defined level of difficulty, based on the Proficiency Guidelines developed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). The ACTFL Guidelines describe aspects of speech that characterize speakers as having a given level of proficiency. These guidelines were developed in response to a movement in the language-teaching community, stressing the importance of meaningful communication in the foreign language classroom.

All assessment tools are made available to the public so that learners who want their speaking proficiency in Cantonese assessed may obtain an objective evaluation based on testing and linguistic principles. Currently, English-speakers are able to take the COPA in Cantonese and Putonghua. Students will be notified when the Japanese and Korean versions are available.

2. Score reporting

A certificate will be issued with a description of the proficiency level attained by the examinee. The possible levels are: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Superior. This certificate will serve as an indication of his/her speaking ability and can be used for various purposes.

The official reports will be sent to the examinee two months after the testing date. Two additional reports will be sent free of charge to institutions designated by the examinee at the time of the evaluation. All subsequent requests to send the official report directly will be charged HK$50 per copy.

3. Fees and application procedure

• Application fee: HK$100
• Examination fee: HK$800 

The following groups can take the exam at a special rate of HK$600:

• Current CUHK and CLC students
• Students from CUHK university division Advanced Putonghua course
• Current CLC TCFL Advanced Diploma Programme students

You may download the application form on the official website and bring a check (payable to “Chinese University of Hong Kong”) with you on exam day.

4. ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI)

1. Introduction

Duration: 15-30 minutes

The OPI test takes the form of a phone call, during which the candidate and tester have a guided conversation. After a short introduction, the tester will ask the candidate personalized questions and adapt the conversation depending on the candidate’s language skills, interests, and comfort level. 

As this is a standardized test, it’s a reliable way of measuring a person’s speaking ability in a given language. This Cantonese proficiency test is designed to reveal patterns of weaknesses and strengths that the candidate possesses. 

The OPI tests the candidate’s ability to speak Cantonese effectively in everyday situations. The test does not base its grading on specific curriculum content, and because each interview is adapted for the individual candidate, a candidate’s score or performance is not compared to that of other candidates. 

2. Score reporting

The OPI is graded according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines (2012), the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) guidelines, or the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) guidelines. The scoring guidelines are determined based on the type of certification the candidate is looking to attain. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of how each rating scale works:

• ACTFL – A candidate may be rated anywhere between Novice and Superior.
• ILR – A candidate may be rated anywhere from ILR 0 (no proficiency) to ILR 5 (functionally native).
• CEFR – A candidate may be rated anywhere from A1 to C2.

3. Fees and application procedure

• Examination fee: US$159.00 

You may schedule a test online.

5. Other Exams: GCSE Cantonese & HKDSE Chinese

Now we’ll briefly introduce the GCSE Cantonese and HKDSE Chinese tests. As explained earlier, these two are actually part of the public exams, and are therefore much more difficult. We do advise that language-learners, especially beginners, aim for the two exams mentioned above (COPA and OPI) rather than the following two!

1. GCSE Cantonese

GCSE in Chinese (spoken Cantonese) consists of four parts to assess your Cantonese listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills: 

• Part 1: Listening & Understanding in Chinese (Cantonese)
  • Length: 45 minutes, including 5 minutes of reading time
  • Weighting: 25% / 50 Marks

• Part 2: Speaking in Chinese
  • Length: 10-12 minutes plus 12 minutes of preparation time
  • Weighting: 25% / 70 Marks

• Part 3: Reading & Understanding in Chinese
  • Length: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Weighting: 25% / 50 Marks

• Part 4: Writing in Chinese
  • Length: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Weighting: 25% / 60 Marks

You may find out more about the exam on the official university website. 

2. HKDSE Chinese

HKDSE Chinese is designed for very advanced Cantonese speakers—even local secondary school students tend to find it difficult!

• Part 1: Reading
  • Length: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Weighting: 24% 

• Part 2: Writing
  • Length: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Weighting: 24%

• Part 3: Listening and Integrated Skills
  • Length: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Weighting: 18%

• Part 4: Speaking
  • Length: 25 minutes
  • Weighting: 14%

School-based assessment (SBA) will account for the final 20%. For those who aren’t sitting for the exam as secondary school students, an average SBA score will be applied instead.

You may find out more about the exam here.

6. Bonus: Tips on Preparing for Your Cantonese Proficiency Exam

• Do as many mock tests as you can.
• Study the vocabulary required for the test.
• Study the sample answers to the questions.
• Speak more with native Cantonese-speakers.

Remember, practice makes perfect!

7. How CantoneseClass101.com Can Help You Learn More Cantonese

Planning to take a Cantonese exam soon? Come and practice your Cantonese with CantoneseClass101.com! With CantoneseClass101.com, you can have your daily dose of Cantonese whenever and wherever you want, through mobile apps, desktop software, and our website. We offer entertaining, engaging, and effective lessons on various aspects of the Cantonese language and culture.

Until now, we’ve delivered more than 750,000,000 lessons to thousands of happy students from all around the globe. You can learn Cantonese with over 1060 audio and video lessons delivered by our knowledgeable and energetic hosts, detailed PDF lesson notes, an abundance of vocabulary learning tools, spaced repetition flashcards, and a lively community to discuss the lessons with fellow learners. What are you waiting for? Download our lessons, enjoy our audio and video files, and start learning now!

And keep in mind that if you prefer a one-on-one learning approach and want to further accelerate your Cantonese learning, you can take advantage of our MyTeacher program! 

Before you go,  let us know in the comments if we forgot to include anything, or if you still have some questions about these tests. We look forward to hearing from you, and will be glad to help!

Struggle to express yourself in Cantonese? No worries—we’ve got you covered! Today at CantoneseClass101.com, we’re covering the ten most basic and useful sentence patterns. Memorize these patterns, and you’ll be able to generate hundreds of natural sentences and converse with ease and confidence.

Without further ado, let’s go through the ten most useful Cantonese sentence patterns together!

Table of Contents

1. Linking Two Nouns: A is B
2. Using Adjectives to Describe: A is [Adjective]
3. Expressing “Want”
4. Expressing “Need”
5. Expressing “Like” or “Love”
6. Politely Asking Someone to Do Something
7. Asking for Permission
8. Asking for Information About Something
9. Asking About Time
10. Asking About Location or Position

1. Linking Two Nouns: A is B

You can use this Cantonese sentence structure to say that one noun is also another noun. 

Sentence Pattern: [A] 係 [B]。

Romanization: [A] hai6 [B]

Meaning: [A] is [B].

Example sentence 1

Chinese Characters: 我係學生。

Romanization: ngo5 hai6 hok6 saang1

Meaning: “I am a student.”

Example sentence 2

Chinese Characters: 佢係醫生。

Romanization: keoi5 hai6 ji1 sang1

Meaning: “He is a doctor.”

Example sentence 3

Chinese Characters: 雖然佢係其中一個示威者，但係佢無做出任何暴力行為。

Romanization: seoi1 jin4 keoi5 hai6 kei4 zung1 jat1 go3 si6 wai1 ze2, daan6 hai6 keoi5 mou4 zou6 ceot1 jam6 ho4 bou6 lik6 hang4 wai4

Meaning: “Although he was one of the demonstrators, he did not commit any violence.”

Example sentence 4

Chinese Characters: 香港係我嘅家。

Romanization: hoeng1 gong2 hai6 ngo5 ge3 gaa1Meaning: “Hong Kong is my home.”

2. Using Adjectives to Describe: A is [Adjective]

This Cantonese sentence list provides examples of common sentences using adjectives to describe nouns. To create your own sentences, you may find it useful to visit our vocabulary list on the fifty most common adjectives in Cantonese.

Sentence Pattern: [A] 好 [B]。

Romanization: [A] hou2 [B]

Meaning: [A] is very [B (adjective)].

Example sentence 1

Chinese Characters: 綺拉好靚女。

Romanization: ji2 laai1 hou2 leng3 neoi2

Meaning: “Kiera is very good-looking.”

Example sentence 2

Chinese Characters: 彭定康係英國人。

Romanization: paang4 ding6 hong1 hai6 jing1 gwok3 jan4

Meaning: “Patten is British.”

Example sentence 3

Chinese Characters: 香港好靚。

Romanization: hoeng1 gong2 hou2 leng3

Meaning: “Hong Kong is beautiful.”

Example sentence 4

Chinese Characters: 佢好得意。

Romanization: keoi5 hou2 dak1 ji3

Meaning: “It is cute.”

Example sentence 5

Chinese Characters: 我好傻，竟然信佢。

Romanization: ngo5 hou2 so4, ging2 jin4 seon3 keoi5

Meaning: “I am foolish enough to have trusted him.”

Example sentence 6

Chinese Characters: 佢好煩，不停懷疑我到底係咪鍾意佢。

Romanization: keoi5 hou2 faan4, bat1 ting4 waai4 ji4 ngo5 dou3 dai2 hai6 mai6 zung1 ji3 keoi5

Meaning: “He is so annoying—he kept questioning whether I love him or not.”

3. Expressing “Want”

Some of the most useful Cantonese phrases are those for letting others know what you want. Here are some examples of how you can do this. 

Sentence Pattern: [A] 想 [B]。

Romanization: [A] soeng2 [B]

Meaning: [A] wants [B].

Example sentence 1

Chinese Characters: 我想去廁所。

Romanization: ngo5 soeng2 heoi3 ci3 so2

Meaning: “I want to go to the toilet.”

Example sentence 2

Chinese Characters: 佢想開party。

Romanization: keoi5 soeng2 hoi1 party 

Meaning: “He wants to throw a party.”

Example sentence 3

Chinese Characters: 我想喊。

Romanization: ngo5 soeng2 haam3

Meaning: “I want to cry.”

Example sentence 4

Chinese Characters: 佢想一腳踏兩船。

Romanization: keoi5 soeng2 jat1 goek3 daap6 loeng5 syun4

Meaning: “He wants to two-time.”

Example sentence 5

Chinese Characters: 我都想開心，但係日日見到呢啲咁sad嘅新聞好難開心喎。

Romanization: ngo5 dou1 soeng2 hoi1 sam1, daan6 hai6 jat6 jat6 gin3 dou2 ni1 di1 gam3 sad ge3 san1 man2 hou2 naan4 hoi1 sam1 wo3

Meaning: “I want to be happy too, but it’s very difficult to do so given that we are hearing sad news stories every day.”

4. Expressing “Need”

Learning Cantonese sentences for expressing what you need is even more important than learning those for expressing want. Take a look at these examples.

Sentence Pattern: [A] 要 [B]。

Romanization: [A] jiu3 [B]

Meaning: [A] needs [B].

Example sentence 1

Chinese Characters: 我要休息一陣。

Romanization: ngo5 jiu3 jau1 sik1 jat1 jan6

Meaning: “I need to rest for a bit.”

Example sentence 2

Chinese Characters: 佢要道歉。

Romanization: keoi5 jiu3 dou6 hip3

Meaning: “She needs to apologize.”

Example sentence 3

Chinese Characters: 我要食朱古力。

Romanization: ngo5 jiu3 sik6 zyu1 gu2 lik2

Meaning: “I need to eat chocolate.”

Example sentence 4

Chinese Characters: 佢要再攞多兩日假。

Romanization: keoi5 jiu3 zoi3 lo2 do1 loeng5 jat6 gaa3

Meaning: “He needs two more days off.”

Example sentence 5

Chinese Characters: 佢同第二個拍拖，我知你好傷心，但係你要振作，咁你先可以喺你嘅真命天子出現時俾最好嘅你佢。

Romanization: keoi5 tung4 dai6 ji6 go3 paak3 to1, ngo5 zi1 nei5 hou2 soeng1 sam1, daan6 hai6 nei5 jiu3 zan3 zok3, gam2 nei5 sin1 ho2 ji5 hai2 nei5 ge3 zan1 ming6 tin1 zi2 ceot1 jin6 si4 bei2 zeoi3 hou2 ge3 nei5 keoi5

Meaning: “I know he’s dating someone else and you’re sad, but you need to stay strong, only that you will be able to show your best self when your true love comes into your life.”

5. Expressing “Like” or “Love”

Now let’s go over some Cantonese sentence examples for expressing your likes! 

Sentence Pattern: [A] 鍾意 [B]。

Romanization: [A] zung1 ji3 [B]

Meaning: [A] likes/loves [B].

Note: 鍾意 (zung1 ji3) can mean “like,” “love,” or “enjoy.”

Example sentence 1

Chinese Characters: 我鍾意多啦A夢。

Romanization: ngo5 zung1 ji3 do1 laa1 A mung6

Meaning: “I like Doraemon.”

Example sentence 2

Chinese Characters: 胖虎鍾意唱歌。

Romanization: bun6 fu2 zung1 ji3 coeng3 go1

Meaning: “Gian likes singing.”

Example sentence 3

Chinese Characters: 大雄鍾意靜香。

Romanization: daai6 hung4 zung1 ji3 zing6 hoeng1

Meaning: “Nobita loves Shizuka.”

Example sentence 4

Chinese Characters: 靜香鍾意拉小提琴。

Romanization: zing6 hoeng1 zung1 ji3 laai1 siu2 tai4 kam4

Meaning: “Shizuka likes playing violin.”

Example sentence 5

Chinese Characters: 小夫鍾意曬命，但係大雄、胖虎同靜香都仍然肯同佢做朋友。

Romanization: siu2 fu1 zung1 ji3 saai3 meng6, daan6 hai6 daai6 hung4, bun6 fu2 tung4 zing6 hoeng1 dou1 jing4 jin4 hang2 tung4 keoi5 zou6 pang4 jau5

Meaning: “Even though Suneo likes showing off, Nobita, Gian, and Shizuka are still willing to be friends with him.”

6. Politely Asking Someone to Do Something

The next type of Cantonese phrases we’ll look at are those for asking someone to do something in a polite way. Check it out:

Sentence Pattern: 請 [A]。

Romanization: cing2 [A]

Meaning: Please [A (verb)].

Example sentence 1

Chinese Characters: 請坐。

Romanization: cing2 co5

Meaning: “Please take a seat.”

Example sentence 2

Chinese Characters: 請等等。

Romanization: cing2 dang2 dang2

Meaning: “Please wait.”

Example sentence 3

Chinese Characters: 請注意。

Romanization: cing2 zyu3 ji3

Meaning: “Please pay attention.”

Example sentence 4

Chinese Characters: 請停一停。

Romanization: cing2 ting4 jat1 ting4

Meaning: “Please stop for a while.”

Example sentence 5

Chinese Characters: 請選擇語言。

Romanization: cing2 syun2 zaak6 jyu5 jin4

Meaning: “Please select the language.”

7. Asking for Permission

Knowing how to ask for permission is important in every culture and language. Following are some examples of how to do this in Cantonese.

Sentence Pattern: [A] 可唔可以 [B]？

Romanization: [A] ho2 m4 ho2 ji5 [B]

Meaning: Can [A] [B (verb)]?

Example sentence 1

Chinese Characters: 我哋可唔可以食嘢？

Romanization: ngo5 dei6 ho2 m4 ho2 ji5 sik6 je5

Meaning: “Can we eat?”

Example sentence 2

Chinese Characters: 我哋可唔可以做個朋友？

Romanization: ngo5 dei6 ho2 m4 ho2 ji5 zou6 go3 pang4 jau5

Meaning: “Can we be friends?”

Example sentence 3

Chinese Characters: 你可唔可以唔好控制慾咁強？

Romanization: nei5 ho2 m4 ho2 ji5 m4 hou2 hung3 zai3 juk6 gam3 koeng4

Meaning: “Can you be less controlling?”

Example sentence 4

Chinese Characters: 爸爸，我哋可唔可以唔搭地鐵啊？

Romanization: baa4 baa1, ho2 m4 ho2 ji5 m4 daap3 dei6 tit3 aa3 

Meaning: “Dad, can we not take the MTR?”

Example sentence 5

Chinese Characters: 你可唔可以將你個女嫁畀我啊？

Romanization: nei5 ho2 m4 ho2 ji5 zoeng1 nei5 go3 neoi2 gaa3 bei2 ngo5 aa3

Meaning: “Can I marry your daughter?”

8. Asking for Information About Something

At some point, you’ll need to ask someone a question about something. Here’s the Cantonese sentence structure you should use to ask for information while in Hong Kong.

Sentence Pattern: [A] 係唔係 [B]？

Romanization: [A] hai6 m4 hai6 [B]

Meaning: Is [A] [B]?

Example sentence 1

Chinese Characters: 你係唔係偉仔？

Romanization: nei5 hai6 m4 hai6 wai5 zai2

Meaning: “Are you Tony Leung?”

Example sentence 2

Chinese Characters: 你係唔係學生？

Romanization: nei5 hai6 m4 hai6 hok6 saang1

Meaning: “Are you a student?”

Example sentence 3

Chinese Characters: 佢係唔係傻㗎？

Romanization: keoi5 hai6 m4 hai6 so4 gaa3

Meaning: “Is she out of her mind?”

Example sentence 4

Chinese Characters: 我係唔係好靚呢？

Romanization: ngo5 hai6 m4 hai6 hou2 leng3 ne1

Meaning: “Am I pretty?”

Example sentence 5

Chinese Characters: 你係唔係未食lunch？

Romanization: nei5 hai6 m4 hai6 mei6 sik6 lunch 

Meaning: “You haven’t had lunch, have you?”

9. Asking About Time

Learn this simple Cantonese sentence pattern, and never be late for a meeting again! 

Sentence Pattern: [A] 幾點 [B]？

Romanization: [A] gei2 dim2 [B]

Meaning: When [A]  [B (verb)]?

Example sentence 1

Chinese Characters: 我哋幾點食？

Romanization: ngo5 dei6 gei2 dim2 sik6

Meaning: “When should we eat?”

Example sentence 2

Chinese Characters: 你幾點收工？

Romanization: nei5 gei2 dim2 sau1 gung1

Meaning: “When will you be off?”

Example sentence 3

Chinese Characters: 你幾點瞓覺？

Romanization: nei5 gei2 dim2 fan3 gaau3

Meaning: “When do you sleep?”

Example sentence 4

Chinese Characters: 你幾點方便？

Romanization: nei5 gei2 dim2 fong1 bin6

Meaning: “When will be convenient for you?”

Example sentence 5

Chinese Characters: 我想見下你呀，你幾點得閒？

Romanization: ngo5 soeng2 gin3 haa5 nei5 aa3, nei5 gei2 dim2 dak1 haan4

Meaning: “I want to see you—when are you free?”

10. Asking About Location or Position

Have you ever been lost in a big city, or gotten turned around in an unfamiliar building? Learning this Cantonese sentence structure will be very helpful for your travels in Hong Kong! 

Sentence Pattern: [A] 喺邊度？

Romanization: [A] hai2 bin1 dou6

Meaning: Where is [A]?

Example sentence 1

Chinese Characters: 廁所喺邊度？

Romanization: ci3 so2 hai2 bin1 dou6

Meaning: “Where is the toilet?”

Example sentence 2

Chinese Characters: 車站喺邊度？

Romanization: ce1 zaam6 hai2 bin1 dou6

Meaning: “Where is the bus station?”

Example sentence 3

Chinese Characters: 餐廳喺邊度？

Romanization: caan1 teng1 hai2 bin1 dou6

Meaning: “Where is the restaurant?”

Example sentence 4

Chinese Characters: 商場喺邊度？

Romanization: soeng1 coeng4 hai2 bin1 dou6

Meaning: “Where is the shopping mall?”

Example sentence 5

Chinese Characters: 我見唔到你，你喺邊度？

Romanization: ngo5 gin3 m4 dou2 nei5, nei5 hai2 bin1 dou6

Meaning: “I can’t see you. Where are you?”

11. How CantoneseClass101.com Can Help You Learn More Cantonese

Did you know any of these Cantonese sentence patterns already, or are they new to you? Let us know in the comments, and feel free to reach out with any questions! 

Now that we’ve gone through the ten most useful Cantonese sentence patterns, try to express your thoughts in Cantonese! To better your Cantonese even further, we advise you to invest your time in CantoneseClass101.com!

With us, you can have your daily dose of Cantonese whenever and wherever you want, through mobile apps, desktop software, and our website. We offer entertaining, engaging, and effective lessons on various aspects of the Cantonese language and culture.

Until now, we’ve delivered more than 750,000,000 lessons to thousands of happy students from all around the globe. You can learn Cantonese with over 1060 audio and video lessons delivered by our knowledgeable and energetic hosts, detailed PDF lesson notes, an abundance of vocabulary learning tools, spaced repetition flashcards, and a lively community to discuss the lessons with fellow learners. What are you waiting for? Download our lessons, enjoy our audio and video files, and start learning now!

And keep in mind that if you prefer a one-on-one learning approach and want to further accelerate your Cantonese learning, you can take advantage of our MyTeacher program!

Know that your hard work will pay off, and before you know it, you’ll be speaking Cantonese like a native!

Adverbs are vital in any language—they help the audience picture how something is done. Fancy learning some Cantonese adverbs but don’t know where to go? Let CantoneseClass101.com give you a helping hand!

Below, we’ve listed 100 of the most common Cantonese adverbs. Note that both written and spoken example sentences or phrases will be provided throughout the article. We’ve used symbols to help you identify which one is written (w), spoken (s), or applicable to both (ws).

Table of Contents

1. What is an Adverb?
2. Adverbs of Time
3. Adverbs of Frequency
4. Adverbs of Place
5. Adverbs of Manner
6. Adverbs of Degree
7. Adverbs for Connecting Thoughts
8. How to Use Adverbs in a Sentence
9. How CantoneseClass101.com Can Help You Learn More Cantonese

1. What is an Adverb?

An adverb is a part of speech that serves as a modifier for verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. It can also modify determiners, clauses, prepositions, and even sentences. Adverbs typically describe how or to what extent something was done, and they answer questions such as: “How?” / “In what way?” / “When?” / “Where?” / “To what extent?”

Now that you understand what an adverb is, let’s take a look at some useful adverbs in Cantonese, categorized by what question they answer.

2. Adverbs of Time

#	Chinese Characters	Romanization	Meaning	Example
1	已經	ji5 ging1	“already”	(w)  男士已經給侍應貼士。 naam4 si6 ji5 ging1 kap1 si6 jing3 tip1 si2 “The gentleman already tipped the waiter.”
2	馬上	maa5 seong6	“immediately”	(w)  房間馬上變得暗淡無光。 fong4 gaan1 maa5 soeng6 bin3 dak1 ngam3 taam6 mou4 gwong1 “The room immediately got dim.”
3	最近	zeoi3 gan6	“lately”	(w)  最近使用的檔案 zeoi3 gan6 si2 jung6 dik1 dong2 ngon3 “Files that are used lately”
4	下星期	haa6 sing1 kei4	“next week”	(w)  下星期休息 haa6 sing1 kei4 jau1 sik1 “Will be taking a break next week”
5	而家	ji4 gaa1	“now”	(s) 我而家太忙。 ngo5 ji4 gaa1 taai3 mong4 “I am too busy now.”
6	好快	hou2 faai3	“soon”	(s) 我好快飛抵澳洲。 ngo5 hou2 faai3 fei1 dai2 ou3 zau1 “I will be arriving in Australia soon.”
7	仍然	jing4 jin4	“still”	(ws) 我仍然相信你。 ngo5 jing4 jin4 soeng1 seon3 nei5  “I still trust you.”
8	今朝早	gam1 ziu1 zou2	“this morning”	(s) 我今朝早去咗參觀大學。 ngo5 gam1 ziu1 zou2 heoi3 zo2 caam1 gun1 daai6 hok6 “I visited the university this morning.”
9	今日	gam1 jat6	“today”	(s) 今日搭的士。 gam1 jat6 daap3 dik1 si2 “Take a taxi today.”
10	聽日	ting1 jat6	“tomorrow”	(s) 你聽日會唔會出街？ nei5 ting1 jat6 wui5 m4 wui5 ceot1 gaai1? “Will you go out tomorrow?”
11	今晚	gam1 maam5	“tonight”	(s) 今晚食乜餸？ gam1 maan5 sik6 mat1 sung3 “What are we having tonight?”
12	噚日	cam4 jat6	“yesterday”	(s) 噚日去咗邊度玩呀？  cam4 jat6 heoi3 zo2 bin1 dou6 waan2 aa3 “Where did you go yesterday?”
13	仲未	zung6 mei6	“yet”	(s) 我仲未收到錢。 ngo5 zung6 mei6 sau1 dou2 cin2 “I haven’t received the money yet.”
14	遲啲	ci4 di1	“later”	(s) 會遲啲返。 wui5 ci4 di1 faan1 “Will be back later.”
15	近排	gan6 paai2	“recently”	(s) 我近排好忙。 ngo5 gan6 paai2 hou2 mong4 “I am quite busy recently.”
16	本來	bun2 loi4	“originally”	(s) 我本來唔想去泰國嘅。 ngo5 bun2 loi4 m4 soeng2 heoi3 taai3 gwok3 ge3 “I originally didn’t want to go to Thailand.”
17	曾經	cang4 ging1	“once upon a time”	(s) 佢曾經係醫生。 keoi5 cang4 ging1 hai6 ji1 sang1 ge3 “He was a doctor once upon a time.”
18	初初	co1 co1	“in the beginning”	(s) 我初初好憎拉小提琴，但係越拉越有feel。 ngo5 co1 co1 hou2 zang1 laai1 siu2 tai4 kam4, daan6 hai6 jyut6 laai1 jyut6 jau5 feel “In the beginning, I hated playing the violin, but the more I played, the more it grew on me.”
19	嗰陣時	go2 zan6 si6	“at that time”	(s) 佢哋嗰陣時唔識對方。 keoi5 dei6 go2 zan6 si6 m4 sik1 deoi3 fong1 “They didn’t know each other at that time.”
20	前嗰排	cin4 go2 paai2	“a while ago”	(s) 我哋前嗰排先至去完泰國，唔想再去囉。 keoi5 dei6 cin4 go2 paai2 sin1 zi3 heoi3 jyun4 taai3 gwok3, m4 soeng2 zoi3 heoi3 lo1 “We just went to Thailand a while ago; I don’t want to go again.”
21	暫時	zaam6 si4	“temporarily”	(s) 個project暫時擱置。 go3 project zaam6 si4 gok3 zi3  “The project is put on hold temporarily.”
22	到時	dou3 si4	“then”	(s) 到時再電聯。 dou3 si4 zoi3 din6 lyun4 “I will give you a call then.”
23	上星期	soeng6 sing1 kei4	“last week”	(w) 上星期的中文課 soeng6 sing1 kei4 dik1 zung1 man4 fo3 “the Chinese class last week”

3. Adverbs of Frequency

#	Chinese Characters	Romanization	Meaning	Example
24	成日	seng4 jat6	“always” / “all the time”	(s)  你哋成日都去飲茶，唔悶㗎咩？ nei5 dei6 seng4 jat6 dou1 heoi3 jam2 caa4, m4 mun6 gaa3 me1?  “Don’t you get tired of eating dim sum all the time?”
25	永遠唔會	wing5 jyun5 m4 wui5	“never”	(s)  樓價永遠唔會跌 lau4 gaa3 wing5 jyun5 m4 wui5 dit3 “The housing price is never going to fall.”
26	好少	hou2 siu2	“rarely”	(s)  我好少飲酒。 ngo5 hou2 siu2 jam2 zau2 “I rarely drink.”
27	有時	jau5 si4	“sometimes”	(w)  夏天雨後，為什麼有時會出現彩虹？  haa6 tin1 jyu5 hau6, wai6 sam6 mo1 jau5 si4 wui5 ceot1 jin6 coi2 hung4 “Why does a rainbow appear after rain in the summer sometimes?”
28	頻密	pan4 mat6	“frequently”	(w)  僱主認為轉工太頻密是代表不定性。 gu3 zyu2 jing6 wai4 zyun3 gung1 taai3 pan4 mat6 si6 doi6 biu2 bat1 ding6 sing3 “Employers think that changing jobs too frequently symbolizes instability.”
29	平時	ping4 si4	“usually”	(s)  佢平時做事好謹慎。 keoi5 ping4 si4 zou6 si6 hou2 gan2 san6 “He is usually meticulous in his work.”
30	間中	gaan3 zung1	“occasionally”	(ws)  間中有陽光。 gaan3 zung1 jau5 joeng4 gwong1 “There will be sunshine occasionally.”
31	不常	bat1 soeng4	“seldom”	(w)  不常使用 bat1 soeng4 si2 jung6 “seldom in use”
32	再	zoi3	“again”	(ws)  再嘗試 zoi3 soeng4 si3 “try again”
33	每	mui5	“every”	(s)  佢每三個月都會出國去旅行一次。 keoi5 mui5 saam1 go3 jyut6 dou1 wui5 ceot1 gwok3 heoi3 leoi5 hang4 jat1 ci3 “He travels abroad once every three months.”

4. Adverbs of Place

#	Chinese Characters	Romanization	Meaning	Example
34	呢度	ni1 dou6	“here”	(s)  呢度有人跌親呀。 ni1 dou6 jau5 jan4 dit3 can1 aa3 “Someone fell over here.”
35	嗰度	go2 dou6	“there”	(s)  嗰度好靚㗎，有機會你一定要去睇吓。  go2 dou6 hou2 leng3 gaa3, jau5 gei1 wui6 nei5 jat1 ding6 jiu3 heoi3 tai2 haa5 “It’s beautiful there. You should go and take a look if you have the chance.”
36	在那裏	zoi6 naa5 leoi5	“over there”	(w)  我確實是在那裏。 ngo5 kok3 sat6 si6 zoi6 naa5 leoi5 “I was really over there.”
37	四周圍	sei3 zau1 wai4	“everywhere”	(s)  四周圍都冇哂位。 sei3 zau1 wai4 dou1 mou5 saai3 wai2 “It’s full everywhere.”
38	任何地方	jam6 ho4 dei6 fong1	“anywhere”	(w)  你可以去任何地方。 nei5 ho2 ji5 heoi3 jam6 ho4 dei6 fong1 “You can go anywhere.”
39	無地方	mou4 dei6 fong1	“nowhere”	(s)  無地方住 mou4 dei6 fong1 zyu6 “nowhere to live”
40	離開	lei4 hoi1	“away”	(w)  帶我離開。 daai3 ngo5 lei4 hoi1 “Take me away.”
41	外面	ngoi6 min6	“out”	(w)  在外面吃東西。 zoi6 ngoi6 min6 hek3 dung1 sai1 “Dine out.”

5. Adverbs of Manner

#	Chinese Characters	Romanization	Meaning	Example
42	好大聲	hou2 daai6 seng1	“loudly”	(s)  我講得好大聲。 ngo5 gong2 dak1 hou2 daai6 seng1 “I speak really loudly.”
43	真係	zan1 hai6	“really”	(s)  我真係好抱歉。 ngo5 zan1 hai6 hou2 pou5 hip3 “I am really sorry.”
44	好快	hou2 faai3	“fast”	(s)  心跳得好快。 sam1 tiu3 dak1 hou2 faai3 “My heart beats fast.”
45	好	hou2	“well”	(s)  我過得好好。 ngo5 gwo3 dak1 hou2 hou2 “I am doing very well.”
46	好腍	hou2 nam6	“soundly” (while asleep)	(s)  隻貓瞓覺瞓得好腍。 zek3 maau1 fan3 gaau3 fan3 dak1 hou2 nam6 “The cat slept soundly.”
47	嗱嗱聲	naa4 naa2 seng1	“quickly”	(s)  嗱嗱聲出門口喇，唔係又遲到喇。 naa4 naa2 seng1 ceot1 mun4 hau2 laa3, m4 hai6 jau6 ci4 dou3 laa3 “Quickly head out or else you’re going to be late again.”
48	好慢	hou2 maan6	“slowly”	(ws)  我做功課好慢。 ngo5 zou6 gung1 fo3 hou2 maan6 “I do homework slowly.”
49	小心	siu2 sam1	“carefully”	(w)  小心保護敏感個人資料 siu2 sam1 bou2 wu6 man5 gam2 go3 jan4 zi1 liu2 “Carefully protect your personal information.”
50	一齊	jat1 cai4	“together”	(s)  一齊買鞋 jat1 cai4 maai5 haai4 “buy shoes together”
51	自己一個	zi6 gei2 jat1 go3	“alone”	(ws)  自己一個更開心。 zi6 gei2 jat1 go3 gang3 hoi1 sam1 “I am happier alone.”
52	唔小心	m4 siu2 sam1	“accidentally”	(s)  唔小心跌咗 m4 siu2 sam1 dit3 zo2 “fell accidentally”
53	基本上	gei1 bun2 soeng6	“basically”	(w)  他基本上完成了自己的工作。 taa1 gei1 bun2 soeng6 jyun4 sing4 liu5 zi6 gei2 dik1 gung1 zok3 “He basically finishes his job.”
54	橫掂	waang4 dim6	“seeing that you’re”	(s)  我哋橫掂都要去沙田，不如去探埋嫲嫲啦。 ngo5 dei6 waang4 dim6 dou1 jiu3 heoi3 saa1 tin4, bat1 jyu4 heoi3 taam3 maai4 maa4 maa4 laa1 “Seeing that we’re going to ShaTin anyway, let’s go and pay meemaw a visit.”
55	特登	dak6 dang1	“deliberately”	(s)  佢唔係特登撞你嘅。 keoi5 m4 hai6 dak6 dang1 zong6 nei5 ge3 “He didn’t deliberately run into you.”
56	一步一步	jat1 bou6 jat1 bou6	“one step at a time”	(s)  學習要一步一步嚟，唔可以急。 hok6 zaap6 jiu3 jat1 bou6 jat1 bou6 lei4, m4 ho2 ji5 gap1 “We should learn one step at a time, we can’t hurry it.”
57	一大啖	jat1 daai6 daam6	“in a big mouthful”	(s)  我一大啖食咗三份之一碗飯。 ngo5 jat1 daai6 daam6 sik6 zo2 saam1 fan6 zi1 jat1 wun2 faan6 “I gulped down a third of the bowl of rice in a big mouthful.”
58	靜靜雞	zing6 zing2 gai1	“quietly”	(s)  靜靜雞用手機前鏡頭影你相 zing6 zing2 gai1 jung6 sau2 gei1 cin4 geng3 tau4 jing2 nei5 soeng2 “Took a picture of you using his front phone camera quietly”
59	好易	hou2 ji6	“easily”	(s)  好易登記 hou2 ji6 dang1 gei3 “easily registered”
60	確確實實地	kok3 kok3 sat6 sat6 dei6	“literally”	(w)  他們確確實實地整晚都在跳舞。 taa1 mun4 kok3 kok3 sat6 sat6 dei6 zing2 maan5 dou1 zoi6 tiu3 mou5  “They literally danced all night.”
61	簡直	gaan2 zik6	“simply”	(s)  簡直不可理喻。 gaan2 zik6 bat1 ho2 lei5 jyu6 “It’s simply unreasonable.”
62	好努力	hou2 nou5 lik6	“diligently”	(s)  我每日都好努力讀書。 ngo5 mui5 jat6 dou1 hou2 nou5 lik6 duk6 syu1 “I study hard every day.”
63	好認真	hou2 jing6 zan1	“seriously”	(s)  佢好認真做運動。 keoi5 hou2 jing6 zan1 zou6 wan6 dung6 “He exercises seriously.”
64	乖乖咁	gwaai1 gwaai1 gam2	“obediently”	(s)  你要乖乖咁起身返工。 nei5 jiu3 gwaai1 gwaai1 gam2 hei2 san1 faan1 gung1 “You have to wake up and go to work obediently.”
65	好開心	hou2 hoi1 sam1	“happily”	(s)  觀眾笑得好開心。 gun1 zung3 siu3 dak1 hou2 hoi1 sam1 “The audience laughed happily.”
66	唔開心	m4 hoi1 sam1	“sadly”	(s)  過得唔開心。 gwo3 dak1 m4 hoi1 sam1 “I am living sadly.”
67	好嬲	hou2 nau1	“angrily”	(s)  佢哋根本唔尊重啲客人，食到好嬲。 keoi5 dei6 gan1 bun2 m4 zyun1 zung6 di1 haak3 jan4, sik6 dou3 hou2 nau1 “They didn’t respect their clients at all. I ate angrily.”

6. Adverbs of Degree

#	Chinese Characters	Romanization	Meaning	Example
68	好	hou2	“very”	(s)  我過得好好。 ngo5 gwo3 dak1 hou2 hou2 “I am doing very well.”
69	相當	soeng1 dong1	“quite”	(ws)  相當多 soeng1 dong1 do1 “quite a lot”
70	好少	hou2 siu2	“hardly”	(ws)  好少聯絡 hou2 siu2 lyun4 lok3 “hardly get in touch”
71	幾乎不	gei2 fu4 bat1	“barely”	(ws)  幾乎不知道 gei2 fu4 bat1 zi1 dou3 “barely know”
72	大部分	daai6 bou6 fan6	“mostly”	(ws)  大部分支持 daai6 bou6 fan1 zi1 ci4 “mostly support”
73	幾乎	gei1 fu4	“almost”	(w)  幾乎撞到 gei1 fu4 zong6 dou2 “almost got hit”
74	一定	jat1 ding6	“absolutely”	(ws)  一定要贏 jat1 ding6 jiu3 jeng4 “absolutely need to win”
75	一啲	jat1 di1	“a bit”	(s)  我有一啲緊張。 ngo5 jau5 jat1 di1 gan2 zoeng1 “I am a bit nervous.”
76	好多	hou2 do1	“a lot”	(s)  做人會開心好多。 zou6 jan4 wui5 hoi1 sam1 hou2 do1 “You will be a lot happier.”
77	夠	gau3	“enough”	(s)  我夠勇敢。 ngo5 gau3 jung5 gam2 “I am brave enough.”
78	太	tai3	“too,” “excessively”	(s)  我太緊張。 ngo5 taai3 gan2 zoeng1 “I am too nervous.”
79	唔係太	m4 hai6 tai3	“not really”	我唔係太中意佢。 ngo5 m4 hai6 taai3 zung1 ji3 keoi5 “I don’t really like him.”
80	凈係	zing6 hai6	“only”	(s)  而家凈係得返豬扒喇。 ji4 gaa1 zing6 hai6 dak1 faan1 zyu1 paa2 laa3 “There are only pork chops left.”
81	得	dak1	“only … left”	(s)  得一個 dak1 jat1 go3 “There is only one left.”
82	特別	dak6 bit6	“exceptionally”	(s)  呢個女人特別囉嗦。 ni1 go3 neoi5 jan2 dak6 bit6 lo1 so1 “This woman is exceptionally annoying.”
83	零舍	ling4 se3	“particularly”	(s)  嗰個阿叔零舍長氣。 go2 go3 aa3 suk1 ling4 se3 coeng4 hei3 “That middle-aged man is particularly long-winded.”
84	超	ciu1	“super”	(s)  我女朋友超性感。 ngo5 neoi5 pang4 jau5 ciu1 sing3 gam2 “My girlfriend is super sexy.”

7. Adverbs for Connecting Thoughts

#	Chinese Characters	Romanization	Meaning	Example
85	不過	bat1 gwo3	“however”	(s)  ____，佢好認真做運動。 _____, keoi5 hou2 jing6 zan1 zou6 wan6 dung6 “______, he exercises seriously.”
86	所以	so2 ji3	“therefore”
87	另一方面	ling6 jat1 fong1 min6	“on the other hand”
88	終於	zung1 yu1	“finally”
89	最終	zeoi3 zung2	“eventually”
90	但係	daan6 hai6	“nevertheless”
91	於是	jyu1 si6	“consequently”
92	確實	kok3 sat6	“indeed”
93	反而	faan2 yi4	“instead”
94	同樣地	tung4 joeng6 dei6	“likewise”
95	而且	ji4 ce2	“moreover”
96	與此同時	jyu5 ci2 tung4 si4	“meanwhile”
97	況且	fong3 ce2	“besides”
98	毫無疑問地	hou4 mou4 ji4 man6 dei6	“certainly”
99	再者	zoi3 ze2	“in addition”
100	然後	jin4 hau6	“and then”
101	其實	kei4 sat6	“in fact”
102	忽然間	fat1 jin4 gaan1	“suddenly”

8. How to Use Adverbs in a Sentence

There are many ways to use an adverb in Cantonese, and today, we’ll be introducing the three most common structures:

1. Cantonese adverbs with 得 (dak1):

Sentence Structure: Verb + 得 + Adjective

Example 1 –

Character: 佢行得好快。

Romanization: keoi5 haang4 dak1 hou2 faai3

Meaning: “He walks very quickly.”

Example 2 –

Character: 我講得好大聲。

Romanization: ngo5 gong2 dak1 hou2 daai6 seng1

Meaning: “I speak really loudly.”

Example 3 –

Character: 隻貓瞓覺瞓得好腍。

Romanization: zek3 maau1 fan3 gaau3 fan3 dak1 hou2 nam6

Meaning: “The cat slept soundly.”

2. Cantonese adverbs with 咁 (gam2):

Sentence Structure: Adjective + 咁 + Verb

Example 1 –

Character: 佢好快咁食曬啲嘢。

Romanization: keoi5 hou2 faai3 gam2 sik6 saai3 di1 je5

Meaning: “She quickly gobbled up everything.”

Example 2 –

Character: 佢好快咁做曬功課。

Romanization: keoi5 hou2 faai3 gam2 zou6 saai3 gung1 fo3

Meaning: “He quickly finished their homework.”

Example 3 –

Character: 佢好勤力咁溫書。

Romanization: keoi5 hou2 kan4 lik6 gam2 wan1 syu1

Meaning: “He studies diligently.”

3. Cantonese adverbs with 哋 (dei2):

Sentence Structure: Adjective + 哋 + Verb

Example 1 –

Character: 隻狗偷偷哋食咗檯面條香腸。

Romanization: zek3 gau2 tau1 tau1 dei2 sik6 zo2 toi2 min2 tiu4 hoeng1 coeng2

Meaning: “The dog sneakily ate the sausage on the table.”

Example 2 –

Character: 你靜靜哋做功課。

Romanization: nei5 zing6 zing2 dei2 zou6 gung1 fo3.

Meaning: “Do your homework quietly.”

Example 3 –

Character: 我偷偷哋去佢個Party。

Romanization: ngo5 tau1 tau1 dei2 heoi3 keoi5 go3 party

Meaning: “I am sneakily going to his party.”

9. How CantoneseClass101.com Can Help You Learn More Cantonese

We hope by now you can use Cantonese adverbs to enrich your conversations! Let us know in the comments any new words you learned, or if there are still more common Cantonese adverbs you want to know. We look forward to hearing from you! 

After mastering Cantonese adverbs, do you want to level up your Cantonese and learn more Cantonese phrases? With CantoneseClass101.com, you can have your daily dose of Cantonese whenever and wherever you want, through mobile apps, desktop software, and our website. We offer entertaining, engaging, and effective lessons on various aspects of the Cantonese language and culture.

Until now, we’ve delivered more than 750,000,000 lessons to thousands of happy students from all around the globe. You can learn Cantonese with over 1060 audio and video lessons delivered by our knowledgeable and energetic hosts, detailed PDF lesson notes, an abundance of vocabulary learning tools, spaced repetition flashcards, and a lively community to discuss the lessons with fellow learners. What are you waiting for? Download our lessons, enjoy our audio and video files, and start learning now!

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Verbs are essential in a language—they describe actions or talk about something that happens. 
The more Cantonese verbs you know, the easier it will be for you to master the Cantonese language as a whole. Can’t wait to learn the most common Cantonese verbs? Check out our short guide to verbs in Cantonese below, study our Cantonese verbs list, and let CantoneseClass101.com give you a helping hand!

Table of Contents

1. Cantonese Verbs Overview
2. Action Verbs
3. Helping Verbs
4. Linking Verbs
5. Conclusion: How CantoneseClass101.com Can Help You Learn More Cantonese

1. Cantonese Verbs Overview

Unlike many other languages around the globe, Cantonese verbs by themselves indicate no tense. Generally, the timing of a particular event is expressed through the addition of time-establishing adverbs, though there are some situations when the timing is expressed largely through contextual clues and other indicators reliant on the interpretation of the meaning. By adding particles to the sentence, it can be turned into a question or more clearly demonstrate the mood, attitude, and intention of the speaker.

Note that there are written and spoken Cantonese verbs. We’ve used symbols to help you identify which ones are written (w), spoken (s), or applicable to both (ws).

2. Action Verbs

#	Meaning	Chinese Characters	Romanization	Example
1	go	去 (ws)	heoi3	直去 zik6 heoi3 go straight ahead
2	eat	食 (s)	sik6	一家人食早餐。 jat1 gaa1 jan4 sik6 zou2 caan1 The family eats breakfast.
3		吃 (w)	hek3	一家人吃早餐。 jat1 gaa1 jan4 hek3 zou2 caan1 The family eats breakfast.
4	drink	飲 (s)	jam2	飲樽裝飲品 jam2 zeon1 zon1 jam2 ban2 drink from a plastic bottle
5		喝 (w)	hot3	喝樽裝飲品 hot3 zeon1 zon1 jam2 ban2 drink from a plastic bottle
6	walk	行 (s)	haan4	女孩行近攝錄機。 neoi5 haai4 haan4 kan5 sip3 luk6 gei1 The girl walks towards the video camera.
7		走 (w)	zau2	女孩走近攝錄機。 neoi5 haai4 zau2 gan6 sip3 luk6 gei1 The girl walks towards the video camera.
8	sleep	瞓覺 (s)	fan3 gaau3	BB喺氈上瞓覺。 bi4 bi1 hai2 zin1 soeng6 fan3 gaau3 The baby sleeps on the blanket.
9		睡覺 (w)	seoi6 gaau3	嬰兒在氈上睡覺。 jing1 ji4 zoi6 zin1 soeng6 seoi6 gaau3 The baby sleeps on the blanket.
10	understand	明 (s)	ming4	我明。 ngo5 ming4 I understand.
11		理解 (w)	lei5 gaai2	我理解。 ngo5 lei5 gaai2 I understand.
12	ask	問 (ws)	man6	大學生問教授問題。 daai6 hok6 sang1 man6 gaau3 sau6 man6 tai4 The university student asks the professor a question.
13	run	跑 (ws)	paau2	我跑。 ngo5 paau2 I run.
14	think	諗 (s)	lam2	女人諗答案。 neoi5 jan2 lam2 daap3 on3 The woman thinks about the answer.
15		想 (w)	soeng2	女人想答案。 neoi5 jan2 soeng2 daap3 on3 The woman thinks about the answer.
16	know	認識 (ws)	jing6 sik1	認識自己 jing6 sik1 zi6 gei2 know yourself
17	help	幫 (ws)	bong1	我幫媽媽洗碗。 ngo5 bong1 maa4 maa1 sai2 wun2 I help my mum wash the dishes.
18	take	拎 (s)	ling1	啲人拎咗士多啤梨。 di1 jan4 ling1 zo2 si6 do1 be1 lei2 The people took the strawberries.
19		拿 (w)	naa4	人們拿了士多啤梨。 jan4 mun4 naa4 liu5 si6 do1 be1 lei2 The people took the strawberries.
20	use	用 (ws)	jung6	程式設計員用電腦。 cing4 sik1 cit3 gai3 jyun4 jung6 din6 nou5 The programmer uses the computer.
21	work	做嘢 (s)	zou6 je5	女人喺辦公室做緊嘢。 neoi5 jan2 hai2 baan6 gung1 sat1 zou6 gan2 je5 The woman is working at the office.
22		工作 (w)	gung1 zok3	女人正在辦公室工作。 neoi5 jan2 zing3 zoi6 baan6 gung1 sat1 gung1 zok3 The woman is working at the office.
23	give	畀 (s)	bei2	老豆畀硬幣個仔。 lou5 dau6 bei2 ngaang6 bai6 go3 zai2 The father gives coins to his son.
24		給 (w)	kap1	父親給兒子硬幣。 fu6 can1 kap1 ji4 zi2 ngaang6 bai6 The father gives coins to his son.
25	talk	講 (s)	gong2	你講咩？ nei5 gong2 me1 What are you talking about?
26		說 (w)	syut3	你說甚麼？ nei5 syut3 sam6 mo1 What are you talking about?
27	begin	開始 (ws)	hoi1 ci2	重新開始 cung4 san1 hoi1 ci2 begin again
28	watch	睇 (s)	tai2	遊客睇日落。 jau4 haak3 tai2 jat6 lok6 The tourists watch the sunset.
29		看 (w)	hon3	遊客看日落。 jau4 haak3 hon3 jat6 lok6 The tourists watch the sunset.
30	leave	離開 (ws)	lei6 hoi1	離開公司 lei6 hoi1 gung1 si1 leave a company
31	become	變為 (ws)	bin3 wai4	變為蝴蝶 bin3 wai4 wu4 dip2 become a butterfly
32	hear	聽 (s)* *same character but different pronunciation	teng1	我聽到。 ngo5 teng1 dou2 I heard.
33		聽 (w)* *same character but different pronunciation	ting3	我聽見。 ngo5 ting3 gin3 I heard.
34	wait	等 (ws)	dang2	遊客等火車。 jau4 haak3 dang2 fo2 ce1 The traveler waits for the train.
35	play	玩 (s)* *same character but different pronunciation	waan2	我要玩。 ngo5 jiu3 waan2 I need to play.
36		玩 (w)* *same character but different pronunciation	wun6	我要玩。 ngo5 jiu3 wun6 I need to play.
37	call	打 (ws)	daa2	打電話 daa2 din6 waa2 make a phone call
38	remember	記得 (ws)	gei3 dak1	我記得你。 ngo5 gei3 dak1 nei5 I remember you.
39	believe	相信 (ws)	soeng1 seon3	我相信你。 ngo5 soeng1 seon3 nei5 I believe you.
40	like	鍾意 (s)	zung6 ji3	我鍾意睇日落。 ngo5 zung1 ji3 tai2 jat6 lok6  I like watching the sunset.
41		喜歡 (w)	hei2 fun1	我喜歡看日落。 ngo5 hei2 fun1 hon3 jat6 lok6 I like watching the sunset.
42	cancel	取消 (ws)	ceoi2 siu1	取消會議 ceoi2 siu1 wui6 ji5 cancel the meeting
43	arrive	到 (ws)	dou3	到了公園 dou3 liu5 gung1 jyun2 arrive at the park
44	die	死 (s)	sei2	佢舊年因為意外死咗。 keoi5 gau6 nin2 jan1 wai6 ji3 ngoi6 sei2 zo2 He died in an accident last year.
45		去世 (w)	heoi3 sai3	他去年在意外中去世。 taa1 heoi3 nin4 zoi6 ji3 ngoi6 zung1 heoi3 sai3 He died in an accident last year.
46	rest	休息 (ws)	jau1 sik1	我要休息。 ngo5 jiu3 jau1 sik1 I need to rest.
47	cook	煮 (ws)	zyu2	廚房煮食 cyu4 fong2 zyu2 sik6 cook in a kitchen
48	feel	覺得 (ws)	gok3 dak1	男孩覺得難過。 naam4 haai4 gok3 dak1 naan4 gwo3 The boy is feeling sad.
49	draw	畫畫 (ws)	waat6 waa2	我要畫畫。 ngo5 jiu3 waat6 waa2 I need to draw.
50	answer	回答 (ws)	wui4 daap3	回答問題 wui4 daap3 man6 tai4 answer questions
51	receive	收 (ws)	sau1	男人收錢。 naam4 jan2 sau1 cin2 The man receives money.
52	plan	計劃 (ws)	gai3 waak6	計劃預算 gai3 waak6 jyu6 syun3 plan the budget
53	explain	解釋 (ws)	gaai2 sik1	教授解釋圖表。 gaau3 sau6 gaai2 sik1 tou4 biu2 The professor explains the diagram.
54	jump	跳 (ws)	tiu3	能跳過 nang4 tiu3 gwo3 can jump over
55	teach	教 (ws)	gaau3	老師教英文。 lou5 si1 gaau3 jing1 man2 The teacher taught English.
56	close	閂 (s)	saan1	大學生閂門。 daai6 hok6 saan1 saan1 mun4 The university student closes the door.
57		關 (w)	gwaan1	大學生關門。 daai6 hok6 saan1 gwaan1 mun4 The university student closes the door.
58	buy	買 (ws)	maai5	情侶買衣服。 cing4 leoi5 maai5 ji1 fuk6 The couple buys clothes.
59	read	讀 (ws)	duk6	讀雜誌 duk6 zaap6 zi3 read a magazine
60	wake up	醒 (s)* *same character but different pronunciation	seng2	我醒啦。 ngo5 seng2 laa1 I woke up.
61		醒 (w)* *same character but different pronunciation	sing2	我醒來。 ngo5 sing2 loi4 I woke up.
62	return	返 (s)	faan2	我返屋企。 ngo5 faan2 uk1 kei2 I return home.
63		回 (w)	wui4	我回家。 ngo5 wui4 gaa1 I return home.
64	kick	踢 (ws)	tek3	踢波 tek3 bo1 kick the ball
65	sell	賣 (ws)	maai6	賣電腦 maai6 din6 nou5 sell the computer
66	invite	邀請 (ws)	jiu1 cing2	我想邀請你。 ngo5 soeng2 jiu1 cing2 nei5 I want to invite you.
67	write	寫 (ws)	se2	我寫。 ngo5 se2 I will write.
68	study	學 (ws)	hok6	我學廣東話。 ngo5 hok6 gwong2 dung1 waa2 I learn Cantonese.
69	find	搵 (s)	wan2	我搵你。 ngo5 wan2 nei5 I will find you.
70		找 (w)	zaau2	我找你。 ngo5 zaau2 nei5 I will find you.
71	solve	解決 (ws)	gaai2 kyut3	解決問題 gaai2 kyut3 man6 tai4 solve problems
72	introduce	介紹 (ws)	gaai3 siu6	介紹廣東話 gaai3 siu6 gwong2 dung1 waa2 introduce Cantonese
73	share	分享 (ws)	fan1 hoeng2	分享意見 fan1 hoeng2 ji3 gin3 share one’s view
74	sit	坐 (s)* *same character but different pronunciation	co5	我坐。 ngo5 co5 I will sit.
75		坐 (w)* *same character but different pronunciation	zo6	我坐。 ngo5 zo6 I will sit.
76	participate	參加 (ws)	caam1 gaa1	參加比賽 caam1 gaa1 bei2 coi3 participate in a competition
77	sing	唱 (ws)	coeng3	唱歌 coeng3 go1 sing a song
78	smile	笑 (ws)	siu3	我笑緊。 ngo5 siu3 gan2 I am smiling.
79	cry	喊 (s)	haam3	我喊緊。 ngo5 haam3 gan2 I am crying.
80		哭 (w)	huk1	我在哭。 ngo5 zoi6 huk1 I am crying.
81	make	整 (s)	zing2	我整鞋。 ngo5 zing2 haai4 I make shoes.
82		製造 (w)	zai3 zou6	我製造鞋。 ngo5 zai3 zou6 haai4 I make shoes.
83	lie	呃 (s)	aak1	我知道你呃我。 ngo5 zi1 dou3 nei5 aak1 ngo5 I know you lied to me.
84		欺騙 (w)	hei1 pin3	我知道你欺騙我。 ngo5 zi1 dou3 nei5 hei1 pin3 ngo5 I know you lied to me.
85	hate	憎 (ws)	zang1	我憎你。 ngo5 zang1 nei5 I hate you.
86	afraid	怕 (ws)	paa3	我怕你。 ngo5 paa3 nei5 I am afraid of you.

3. Helping Verbs

#	Meaning	Chinese Characters	Romanization	Romanization
87	have	有 (ws)	jau5	我有三隻狗。 ngo5 jau5 saam1 zek3 gau2 I have three dogs.
88	not have	冇 (s)	mou5	我冇錢。 ngo5 mou5 cin2 I don’t have money.
89		沒有(w)	mut6 jau5	我沒有錢。 ngo5 mut6 jau5 cin2 I don’t have money.
90	can	識 (s)	sik1	我識彈琴。 ngo5 sik1 taan4 kam4 I can play the piano.
91	need	要 (ws)	jiu3	我要去夏威夷。 ngo5 jiu3 heoi3 haa6 wai1 ji4 I need to go to Hawaii.
92	want	想 (ws)	haan4	我想飲咖啡。 ngo5 soeng2 jam2 gaa3 fe1 I want to drink coffee.
93	do	做 (ws)	zou6	做功課  zou6 gung1 fo3 do homework
94	should	應該 (ws)	jing1 goi1	我應該問問題。 ngo5 jing1 goi1 man6 man6 tai4 I should ask questions.
95	willing to	肯 (s)	hang2	我肯講廣東話。 ngo5 hang2 gong2 gwong2 dung1 waa2 I am willing to speak Cantonese.
96		願意 (w)	jyun6 ji3	我願意講廣東話。 ngo5 jyun6 ji3 gong2 gwong2 dung1 waa2 I am willing to speak Cantonese.

4. Linking Verbs

#	Meaning	Chinese Characters	Romanization	Example
97	be	係 (s)	hai6	我係Olivia。 ngo5 hai6 Olivia I am Olivia.
98		是 (w)	si6	我是Olivia。 ngo5 si6 Olivia I am Olivia.
99	not be	唔係 (s)	m4 hai6	我唔係男人。 ngo5 m4 hai6 naam4 jan2 I’m not a guy.
100		不是 (w)	bat1 si6	我不是男人。 ngo5 bat1 si6 naam4 jan2 I’m not a guy.

5. Conclusion: How CantoneseClass101.com Can Help You Learn More Cantonese

With CantoneseClass101.com, you can have your daily dose of Cantonese whenever and wherever you want, through mobile apps, desktop software, and our website. We offer entertaining, engaging, and effective lessons on various aspects of the Cantonese language and culture.

Until now, we’ve delivered more than 750,000,000 lessons to thousands of happy students from all around the globe. You can learn Cantonese with over 1060 audio and video lessons delivered by our knowledgeable and energetic hosts, detailed PDF lesson notes, an abundance of vocabulary learning tools, spaced repetition flashcards, and a lively community to discuss the lessons with fellow learners. What are you waiting for? Download our lessons, enjoy our audio and video files, and start learning now!

And keep in mind that if you prefer a one-on-one learning approach and want to further accelerate your Cantonese learning, you can take advantage of our MyTeacher program! 

Before you go, let us know in the comments if there’s a verb in Cantonese you still want to know, or if you’re still struggling with anything we covered in this article. We look forward to hearing from you!

Pronouns can help you better articulate and express your ideas by allowing you to avoid repeating the same nouns over and over again. There are various pronouns in English, such as personal pronouns like “he,” “she,” “it,” “our,” and “theirs”; demonstrative pronouns like “this” and “that”; and indefinite pronouns like “somebody” and “nowhere.” 

These pronouns are very useful when it comes to facilitating communication—think how clumsy it would sound to say “Peter really likes Peter’s own voice and Peter’s own appearance,” and “Sharon and Sharon’s sister are looking for Sharon’s mother!” 

Have you ever wondered what Cantonese pronouns there are? Are you curious to learn how you can use them to communicate your thoughts more effectively? We’ve prepared a list of Cantonese pronouns and respective examples for you. Read on to find out more!

Table of Contents

1. Cantonese Personal Pronouns
2. Demonstrative Pronouns
3. Interrogative Pronouns
4. Indefinite Pronouns
5. Conclusion: How CantoneseClass101.com Can Help You Learn More Cantonese

1. Cantonese Personal Pronouns

We’ve divided the pronouns into singular (e.g. “I,” “you,” “he,” “she”) and plural (e.g. “we,” “they”) for your easy reference. Note that there isn’t an honorific version of pronouns in Cantonese, and both the words and example phrases below are in spoken form:

1- Singular

1- 你

Meaning: you

Romanization: nei5

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 你鐘意咖啡。
• Romanization: nei5 zung1 ji3 gaa3 fe1
• Meaning: You like coffee.

2- 我

Meaning: I

Romanization: ngo5

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 我想改變世界。
• Romanization: ngo5 soeng2 goi2 bin3 sai3 gaai3
• Meaning: I want to change the world.

3- 佢

Meaning: she / he / it

Romanization: keoi5

Note: There are no differences between “he,” “she,” or “it” in Cantonese. You can use 佢 for all circumstances.

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 佢好得意。
• Romanization: keoi5 hou2 dak1 ji3
• Meaning: She / He / It is cute.

4-  你嘅

Meaning: your / yours   

Romanization: nei5 ge3

Example 1 – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 我好想睇穿你嘅心。
• Romanization: ngo5 hou2 soeng2 tai2 cyun1 nei5 ge3 sam1
• Meaning: I want to see right through your heart.

Example 2 – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 係你嘅。
• Romanization: hai6 nei5 ge3
• Meaning: It’s yours.

5-  我嘅

Meaning: my / mine

Romanization: ngo5 ge3

Example 1 – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 我嘅天堂
• Romanization: ngo5 ge3 tin1 tong4
• Meaning: My paradise

Example 2 – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 你係我嘅。
• Romanization: nei5 hai6 ngo5 ge3
• Meaning: You are mine.

6-  佢嘅

Meaning: her / his / its / hers

Romanization: keoi5 ge3

Example 1 – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 佢嘅答覆
• Romanization: keoi5 ge3 daap3 fuk1
• Meaning: His / her reply

Example 2 – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 唔係佢嘅。
• Romanization: m4 hai6 keoi5 ge3
• Meaning: It’s not his / hers.

2- Plural

7- 你哋

Meaning: you guys

Romanization: nei5 dei6

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 你哋無做錯到。
• Romanization: nei5 dei6 mou4 zou6 co3 dou3
• Meaning: You guys didn’t do anything wrong.

8- 我哋

Meaning: we / us

Romanization: ngo5 dei6

Example 1 – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 我哋係香港人。
• Romanization: ngo5 dei6 hai6 hoeng1 gong2 jan4
• Meaning: We are Hong Kongers.

Example 2 – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 佢同我哋講佢係警察。
• Romanization: keoi5 tung4 ngo5 dei6 gong2 keoi5 hai6 ging2 caat3
• Meaning: He told us he is a cop.

9-  佢哋

Meaning: they / them

Romanization: keoi5 dei6

Example 1 – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 佢哋係醫生。
• Romanization: keoi5 dei6 hai6 ji1 sang1
• Meaning: They are doctors.

Example 2 – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 你其實都好關心佢哋。
• Romanization: nei5 kei4 sat6 dou1 hou2 gwaan1 sam1 keoi5 dei6
• Meaning: Actually, you care about them.

10- 你哋嘅

Meaning: your / yours (plural)

Romanization: nei5 dei6 ge3

Example 1 – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 發揮你哋嘅創意。
• Romanization: faat3 fai1 nei5 dei6 ge3 cong3 ji3
• Meaning: Let your imagination go wild.

Example 2 – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 呢啲係你哋嘅。
• Romanization: ni1 di1 hai6 nei5 dei6 ge3
• Meaning: These are yours.

11- 我哋嘅

Meaning: our / ours

Romanization: ngo5 dei6 ge3

Example 1 – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 我哋嘅字典
• Romanization: ngo5 dei6 ge3 zi6 din2
• Meaning: Our dictionary

Example 2 – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 字典係我哋嘅。
• Romanization: zi6 din2 hai6 ngo5 dei6 ge3
• Meaning: The dictionary is ours.

12-  佢哋嘅

Meaning: their / theirs

Romanization: keoi5 dei6 ge3

Example 1 – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 佢哋嘅文化
• Romanization: keoi5 dei6 ge3 man4 faa3
• Meaning: Their culture

Example 2 – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 可能係佢哋嘅。
• Romanization: ho2 nang4 hai6 keoi5 dei6 ge3
• Meaning: Maybe it’s theirs.

2. Demonstrative Pronouns

1- 呢個

Meaning: this

Romanization: ni1 go3

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 呢個係我嘅電話。
• Romanization: ni1 go3 hai6 ngo5 ge3 din6 waa2
• Meaning: This is my cell.

2- 嗰個

Meaning: that

Romanization: go2 go3

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 嗰個人
• Romanization: go2 go3 jan4
• Meaning: That person

3- 呢啲

Meaning: these

Romanization: ni1 di1

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 呢啲珍珠好韌㗎。
• Romanization: ni1 di1 zan1 zyu1 hou2 jan6 gaa3
• Meaning: These bubbles are very chewy.

4- 嗰啲

Meaning: those

Romanization: go2 di1

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 嗰啲蟬嘅聲音， 我覺得好好聽㗎。
• Romanization: go2 di1 sim4 ge3 sing1 jam1, ngo5 gok3 dak1 hou2 hou2 teng1 gaa3
• Meaning: I love the sound of those cicadas. 

5- 呢度

Meaning: here

Romanization: ni1 dou6   

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 呢度係香港。
• Romanization: ni1 dou6 hai6 hoeng1 gong2
• Meaning: Hong Kong is here.

6- 嗰度

Meaning: there

Romanization: go2 dou6

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 嗰度好靚。
• Romanization: go2 dou6 hou2 leng3
• Meaning: It’s beautiful there.

3. Interrogative Pronouns

1- 乜嘢

Meaning: what

Romanization: mat1 je5

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 乜嘢係通貨膨脹呀？
• Romanization: mat1 je5 hai6 tung1 fo3 paang4 zoeng3 aa3
• Meaning: What is inflation?

2- 邊個

Meaning: who

Romanization: bin1 go3

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 邊個超級英雄係最強㗎呢？
• Romanization: bin1 go3 ciu1 kap1 jing1 hung4 hai6 zeoi3 koeng4 gaa3 ne1 
• Meaning: Who is the strongest superhero?

3- 邊個嘅

Meaning: whose

Romanization: bin1 go3 ge3

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 部電話係邊個嘅？
• Romanization: bou6 din6 waa6 hai6 bin1 go3 ge3
• Meaning: Whose phone is it?

4- 幾時

Meaning: when

Romanization: gei2 si4

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 幾時得閒呀？
• Romanization: gei2 si4 dak1 haan4 aa3
• Meaning: When are you free?

5- 邊度

Meaning: where

Romanization: bin1 dou6 

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 邊度有廁所呀？ 
• Romanization: bin1 dou6 jau5 ci3 so2 aa3
• Meaning: Where is the toilet?

6- 點樣

Meaning: how

Romanization: dim2 joeng2

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 應該點樣準備呢？
• Romanization: jing1 goi1 dim2 joeng2 zeon2 bei6 ne1
• Meaning: How should I prepare?

7- 點解

Meaning: why

Romanization: dim2 gaai2 

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 點解想做呢份工？
• Romanization: dim2 gaai2 soeng2 zou6 ni1 fan6 gung1
• Meaning: Why do you want this job?

4. Indefinite Pronouns

As opposed to English, there isn’t a set of pronouns in Cantonese with the fixed prefixes of “every-,” “any-,” or “some-.” As such, we’ve instead included the Cantonese equivalents of common indefinite pronouns below:

1- 所有嘢

Meaning: everything

Romanization: so2 jau5 je5

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 所有嘢都會同老婆交代。
• Romanization: so2 jau5 je5 dou1 wui3 tung4 lou5 po4 gaau1 doi6
• Meaning: I will tell my wife everything.

2- 所有人

Meaning: everybody

Romanization: so2 jau5 jan4

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 所有人都鐘意你。
• Romanization: so2 jau5 jan4 dou1 zung1 ji3 nei5
• Meaning: Everybody likes you.

3- 邊度

Meaning: everywhere

Romanization: bin1 dou6 

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 邊度都見到你。
• Romanization: bin1 dou6 dou1 gin3 dou2 nei5
• Meaning: You’re everywhere.

4- 一啲嘢

Meaning: something

Romanization: jat1 di1 je5

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 如果二零一九年要捨棄一啲嘢，我最想捨棄一啲壞習慣。
• Romanization: jyu4 gwo2 ji6 ling4 jat1 gau2 nin4 jiu3 se2 hei3 jat1 di1 je5, ngo5 zeoi3 soeng2 se2 hei3 jat1 di1 waai6 zaap6 gwaan3
• Meaning: If I must let go of something in 2019, I want to let go of my bad habits.

5- 一啲人

Meaning: somebody

Romanization: jat1 di1 jan4   

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 係一啲人嘅問題。
• Romanization: hai6 jat1 di1 jan4 ge3 man6 tai4
• Meaning: That’s somebody’s problem.

6- 某啲地方

Meaning: somewhere

Romanization: mau5 di1 dei6 fong1 

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 某啲地方一定有所犧牲。
• Romanization: mau5 di1 dei6 fong1 jat1 ding6 jau5 so2 hei1 sang1
• Meaning: There will be sacrifices somewhere.

7- 冇嘢

Meaning: nothing

Romanization: mou5 je5

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 我冇嘢講。
• Romanization: ngo5 mou5 je5 gong2
• Meaning: I have nothing to say.

8- 冇人

Meaning: no one

Romanization: mou5 jan4  

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 冇人係完美。
• Romanization: mou5 jan4 hai6 jyun4 mei5
• Meaning: No one is perfect.

9- 冇地方

Meaning: nowhere

Romanization: mou5 dei6 fong1

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 冇地方住
• Romanization: mou5 dei6 fong1 zyu6
• Meaning: I got nowhere to live.

10- 乜嘢

Meaning: anything

Romanization: mat1 je5 

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 乜嘢都有可能。
• Romanization: mat1 je5 dou1 jau5 ho2 nang4
• Meaning: Anything is possible.

11- 乜人

Meaning: anyone

Romanization: mat1 jan4   

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 乜人都可以申請。
• Romanization: mat1 jan4 dou1 ho2 ji5 san1 cing2
• Meaning: Anyone can apply.

12- 乜嘢地方

Meaning: anywhere

Romanization: mat1 je5 dei6 fong1

Example – 

• Sentence / Phrase: 我乜嘢地方都可以瞓得着。
• Romanization: ngo5 mat1 je5 dei6 fong1 dou1 ho2 ji5 fan3 dak1 zoek6
• Meaning: I can fall asleep anywhere.

5. Conclusion: How CantoneseClass101.com Can Help You Learn More Cantonese

Cantonese pronouns are extremely useful in our daily conversations, and we hope by now you’ve memorized some Cantonese pronouns and are ready to use them. Do check out our articles on Cantonese nouns and Cantonese adjectives as well, and be sure to let us know in the comments if you have any questions! 

Want to level up your Cantonese after mastering Cantonese pronouns? With CantoneseClass101.com, you can have your daily dose of Cantonese whenever and wherever you want, through mobile apps, desktop software, and our website. We offer entertaining, engaging, and effective lessons on various aspects of the Cantonese language and culture.

Until now, we’ve delivered more than 750,000,000 lessons to thousands of happy students from all around the globe. You can learn Cantonese with over 1060 audio and video lessons delivered by our knowledgeable and energetic hosts, detailed PDF lesson notes, an abundance of vocabulary learning tools, spaced repetition flashcards, and a lively community to discuss the lessons with fellow learners. What are you waiting for? Download our lessons, enjoy our audio and video files, and start learning now!

And keep in mind that if you prefer a one-on-one learning approach and want to further accelerate your Cantonese learning, you can take advantage of our MyTeacher program! 
Know that your hard work will pay off, and before you know it, you’ll be speaking Cantonese like a native!

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“Where do you live?”

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도쿄에 살고 있습니다.

Tokyo-e salgo isseumnida.

“I live in Tokyo.”

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은행 계좌를 만들고 싶어요

eunhaeng gyejwaleul mandeulgo sip-eoyo.

I want to open a bank account.

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Subscribe to Posted by CantoneseClass101.com in Cantonese Language, Cantonese Online, Feature Spotlight, Learn Cantonese, Site Features, Speak Cantonese, Team CantoneseClass101 | Comment

Word order refers to the order in which words are structured to form a sentence. One example is the “Subject + Verb + Object” pattern in English. One can not speak, read, or write properly without knowing how to put sentences together. 

That’s why we’ve decided to introduce you to Cantonese word order and grammar. Let CantoneseClass101.com be your guide to mastering Cantonese!

Table of Contents

1. Cantonese Word Order Overview
2. Basic Word Order with Subject, Verb, and Object
3. Word Order with Prepositional Phrases
4. Word Order with Modifiers
5. How to Form a Negative Sentence
6. Bonus: Translation Exercises
7. Conclusion: How CantoneseClass101.com Can Help You Learn More Cantonese

1. Cantonese Word Order Overview

Cantonese word order is fairly flexible and may be said to follow the pattern “Subject + Verb + Object,” which is the same basic word order in English. As there are so many ways to structure a sentence in Cantonese, some think that Cantonese is very difficult—especially HongKongers who love to “not follow the grammar” and throw words around.

But don’t worry. In addition to the most common sentence patterns we’ll cover below, you can always learn Cantonese word order by chatting with the locals or reading more examples on CantoneseClass101.com. The key to mastering a language is not being afraid to make mistakes. After all, it’s from mistakes that we learn the most!

Now, let’s look closer at this pattern of word ordering in Cantonese…

2. Basic Word Order with Subject, Verb, and Object

The basic word order for English is subject (S), verb (V), and object (O). If we break down the English sentence “I watch a movie,” we can see that the subject “I” is presented first. This is followed by the verb “watch,” and then finally, the object “movie” is positioned last. We’ve removed the particles here to keep it simple.

“Subject + Verb + Object” is the basic word order for sentences in both English and Cantonese.

Now let’s compare that same sentence, “I watch a movie,” with the Cantonese translation: 我睇戲” (ngo5 tai2 hei3). If we break down the Cantonese sentence, we see that the subject 我 (ngo5), meaning “I,” comes first. Then comes the verb 睇 (tai2), meaning “watch.” And finally, we have the object 戲 (hei3), meaning “movie.”

Below is a summary of the basic word order in Cantonese:

1 – Subject (S) + Verb (V) + Object (O)

Example Sentence

• Chinese Characters: 我睇戲。
• Romanization: ngo5 tai2 hei3
• Meaning: “I watch (a) movie.”

We’ll keep using the above example sentence, 我睇戲 (ngo5 tai2 hei3), and expand upon it throughout the article for better illustration.

3. Word Order with Prepositional Phrases

Now we’ll expand the basic Cantonese word order “S + V + O” with prepositional phrases (e.g. “when,” “where,” or in “in what way”).

2 – S + Time (T) + V + O

Example Sentence

• Chinese Characters: 我上個禮拜睇戲。
• Romanization: ngo5 soeng6 go3 lai5 baai3 tai2 hei3
• Meaning: “I watched a movie last week.”

Note 1: Time can either be placed in front of or after the subject, though it’s more common to place time after the subject. For example, 上個禮拜我睇戲 (soeng6 go3 lai5 baai3 ngo5 tai2 hei3) also works.

Note 2: Time and duration are placed differently in Cantonese sentences. We’ll cover duration later in this article. 

3 – S + T + Manner (M) + V + O

Example Sentence

• Chinese Characters: 我上個禮拜同朋友一齊睇戲。
• Romanization: ngo5 soeng6 go3 lai5 baai3 tung4 pang4 jau5 jat1 cai4 tai2 hei3
• Meaning: “I watched a movie last week with my friends.”

4 – S + T + M + Place (P) + V + O

Example Sentence

• Chinese Characters: 我上個禮拜同朋友一齊喺戲院睇戲。
• Romanization: ngo5 soeng6 go3 lai5 baai3 tung4 pang4 jau5 jat1 cai4 hai2 hei3 jyun2 tai2 hei3
• Meaning: “I watched a movie at the cinema last week with my friends.”

Note: Place can either be placed in front of or after prepositions of manner, though it’s more common to place it after. For example, 我上個禮拜喺戲院同朋友一齊睇戲 (ngo5 soeng6 go3 lai5 baai3 hai2 hei3 jyun2 tung4 pang4 jau5 jat1 cai4 tai2 hei3) also works.

4. Word Order with Modifiers

Modifiers usually modify nouns. In Cantonese, they are often adjectives, determiners (e.g. “this,” “that”), or numerals (e.g. “one,” “two,” “three”).

Now let’s further expand our sentence with modifiers!

5 – S + T + M + P + V + Determiners (De) + O

Example Sentence

• Chinese Characters: 我上個禮拜同朋友一齊喺戲院睇咗呢場戲。
• Romanization: ngo5 soeng6 go3 lai5 baai3 tung4 pang4 jau5 jat1 cai4 hai2 hei3 jyun2 tai2 zo2 ni1 coeng4 hei3
• Meaning: “I watched this movie at the cinema last week with my friends.”

6 – S + T + M + P + V + De + Numerals (N) + O

Example Sentence

• Chinese Characters: 我上個禮拜同朋友一齊喺戲院睇咗呢一場戲。
• Romanization: ngo5 soeng6 go3 lai5 baai3 tung4 pang4 jau5 jat1 cai4 hai2 hei3 jyun2 tai2 zo2 ni1 jat1 coeng4 hei3
• Meaning: “I watched this (one) movie at the cinema last week with my friends.”

Note: We don’t have “these” or the plural of “this” in Cantonese. We use numerals directly to tell how many there are of something.

7 – S + T + M + P + V + De + N + Duration (Du) + O

Example Sentence

• Chinese Characters: 我上個禮拜同朋友一齊喺戲院睇咗呢一場兩個鐘頭嘅戲。
• Romanization: ngo5 soeng6 go3 lai5 baai3 tung4 pang4 jau5 jat1 cai4 hai2 hei3 jyun2 tai2 zo2 ni1 jat1 coeng4 loeng5 go3 zung1 tau4 ge3 hei3
• Meaning: “I watched this two-hour-long movie at the cinema last week with my friends.”

8 – S + T + M + P + V + De + N + Du + Adjective (A) + O

Example Sentence

• Chinese Characters: 我上個禮拜同朋友一齊喺戲院睇咗呢一場兩個鐘頭好精彩嘅戲。
• Romanization: ngo5 soeng6 go3 lai5 baai3 tung4 pang4 jau5 jat1 cai4 hai2 hei3 jyun2 tai2 zo2 ni1 jat1 coeng4 loeng5 go3 zung1 tau4 hou2 zing1 coi2 ge3 hei3
• Meaning: “I watched this stunning two-hour-long movie at the cinema last week with my friends.”

Note: We sometimes break the sentence into two parts if it’s too long. For instance, we could split the sentence above as follows:

• Format: S + T + M + P + V + De + N + A + O, V + Du
• Chinese Characters: 我上個禮拜同朋友一齊喺戲院睇咗呢一場好精彩嘅戲，睇足兩個鐘頭。
• Romanization: ngo5 soeng6 go3 lai5 baai3 tung4 pang4 jau5 jat1 cai4 hai2 hei3 jyun2 tai2 zo2 ni1 jat1 coeng4 hou2 zing1 coi2 ge3 hei3, tai2 zuk1 loeng5 go3 zung1 tau4

5. How to Form a Negative Sentence

Forming negative sentences in Cantonese is easy. In most cases, we just need to add the character for “no,” which is 唔 (m4), in front of the verb.

Example Sentence

• Chinese Characters: 我唔睇戲。
• Romanization: ngo5 m4 tai2 hei3
• Meaning: “I don’t watch a movie.”

6. Bonus: Translation Exercises

Try to arrange the words in the correct order! 

[Note that: 1. English tenses are ignored in this exercise as there is no such concept as tense in Cantonese. 2. You may find the answers in the last paragraph of this section.]

Ex 1-

Words: 你 (romanization: nei5; meaning: “you”); 蘋果 (romanization: ping4 gwo2; meaning: “apple”); 食 (romanization: sik6; meaning: “eat”)

Sentence: ____________________________

Ex 2-

Words: 你 (romanization: nei5; meaning: “you”); 蘋果 (romanization: ping4 gwo2; meaning: “apple”); 食 (romanization: sik6; meaning: “eat”); 好食嘅 (romanization: hou2 sik6 ge3; meaning: “delicious”)

Sentence: ____________________________

Ex 3-

Words: 你 (romanization: nei5; meaning: “you”); 蘋果 (romanization: ping4 gwo2; meaning: “apple”); 食 (romanization: sik6; meaning: “eat”); 唔 (romanization: m4; meaning: “don’t”)

Sentence: ____________________________

Ex 4-

Words: 錢 (romanization: cin2; meaning: “money”); 借 (romanization: ze3; meaning: “borrow”); 我 (romanization: ngo5; meaning: “I”)

Sentence: ____________________________

Ex 5-

Words: 錢 (romanization: cin2; meaning: “money”); 借 (romanization: ze3; meaning: “borrow”); 我 (romanization: ngo5; meaning: “I”); 噚日 (romanization: cam4 jat6; meaning: “yesterday”)

Sentence: ____________________________

Ex 6-

Words: 錢 (romanization: cin2; meaning: “money”); 借 (romanization: ze3; meaning: “borrow”); 我 (romanization: ngo5; meaning: “I”); 噚日 (romanization: cam4 jat6; meaning: “yesterday”); 問朋友 (romanization: man6 pang4 jau5; meaning: “from a friend”)

Sentence: ____________________________

Ex 7-

Words: 好靚嘅 (romanization: hou2 leng3 ge3; meaning: “beautiful”); 一個 (romanization: jat1 go3; meaning: “one”); 我 (romanization: ngo5; meaning: “I”); 今日 (romanization: gam1 jat6; meaning: “today”); 見到 (romanization: gin3 dou2; meaning: “see”); 手袋 (romanization: sau2 doi2; meaning: “handbag”)

Sentence: ____________________________

Answers

Ex 1- 你食蘋果。

Ex 2- 你食好食嘅蘋果。

Ex 3- 你唔食蘋果。

Ex 4- 我借錢。

Ex 5- 我噚日借錢。/ 噚日我借錢。

Ex 6- 我噚日問朋友借錢。/ 噚日我問朋友借錢。

Ex 7- 我今日見到一個好靚嘅手袋。

7. Conclusion: How CantoneseClass101.com Can Help You Learn More Cantonese

Cantonese word order isn’t that difficult after all, right? It might sound complicated at first, but if you’re patient and learn one step at a time, you’ll be able to master Cantonese word order before you know it!

Is there anything that’s still not clear to you? Is the sentence structure in Cantonese similar or different from that in your native language? Let us know in the comments! 

After learning Cantonese word order, do you want to take your Cantonese to the next level? With CantoneseClass101.com, you can have your daily dose of Cantonese whenever and wherever you want, through mobile apps, desktop software, and our website. We offer entertaining, engaging, and effective lessons on various aspects of the Cantonese language and culture.

Until now, we’ve delivered more than 750,000,000 lessons to thousands of happy students from all around the globe. You can learn Cantonese with over 1060 audio and video lessons delivered by our knowledgeable and energetic hosts, detailed PDF lesson notes, an abundance of vocabulary learning tools, spaced repetition flashcards, and a lively community to discuss the lessons with fellow learners. What are you waiting for? Download our lessons, enjoy our audio and video files, and start learning now!

And keep in mind that if you prefer a one-on-one learning approach and want to further accelerate your Cantonese learning, you can take advantage of our MyTeacher program! 
Know that your hard work will pay off, and before you know it, you’ll be speaking Cantonese like a native!

Telling time is part of everyday life, and it’s one of the essential conversation skills you need to learn when studying a new language. Want to learn how to tell time in Cantonese? No worries—we’ve got you covered! But before we start learning about telling time in Cantonese, let’s go over how to ask for the time and other time-related questions.

Table of Contents

1. How to Ask for the Time
2. How to Tell Time in Cantonese
3. Words that Refer to the Time of the Day
4. Time Adverbs
5. Bonus: Time Proverbs and Sayings
6. Conclusion: How CantoneseClass101.com Can Help You Learn More Cantonese

1. How to Ask for the Time

1- 而家幾點呀？

Meaning: What time is it?

Romanization: ji4 gaa1 gei2 dim2 aa3

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Notes: The phrase 幾點 (gei2 dim2) literally means “How many hours?” In conversational Cantonese, it’s common to add the word 而家 (ji4 gaa1), meaning “now,” at the beginning of the sentence. Note that the actual Cantonese noun for “time” is 時間 (si4 gaan1) and 幾點呀 (gei2 dim2 aa3) actually equates to “when” in English. So if someone invited you to an event and you’d like to know when it’ll be, just ask 幾點呀 (gei2 dim2 aa3).

2. How to Tell Time in Cantonese

The method we use for telling the time in Cantonese is very similar to how a clock works. We use numbers in Cantonese that correspond to the numbers on an hour- and minute-hand clock.

1- Hours

The numbers one to twelve are used primarily when we talk about hours. To say what time it is (in hours), we add the number (1 – 12) to 點 (dim2): 十點 (sap6 dim2). 

十 (sap6) is “10” in Cantonese, so 十點 (sap6 dim2) is essentially ten o’clock. The only exception is two o’clock, where we use 兩 (loeng5) instead of 二 (ji6).

• 1 o’clock: 一點 (jat1 dim2)
• 2 o’clock: 兩點 (loeng5 dim2)
• 3 o’clock: 三點 (saam1 dim2)
• 4 o’clock: 四點 (sei3 dim2)
• 5 o’clock: 五點 (ng5 dim2)
• 6 o’clock: 六點 (luk6 dim2)
• 7 o’clock: 七點 (cat1 dim2)
• 8 o’clock: 八點 (baat3 dim2)
• 9 o’clock: 九點 (gau2 dim2)
• 10 o’clock: 十點 (sap6 dim2)
• 11 o’clock: 十一點 (sap6 jat1 dim2)
• 12 o’clock: 十二點 (sap6 ji6 dim2)

Example Sentence: 而家十二點。

Meaning: It’s now 12 o’clock.

Romanization: ji4 gaa1 sap6 ji6 dim2

Format: Spoken Cantonese

2- Minutes

Telling the time in Hong Kong is easy: you’re always running late. The rule of thumb is to say the hour plus 點 (dim2), as explained in the section above, followed by the number of minutes past the hour. 

Like the United States, Hong Kong follows a twelve-hour cycle in which the time repeats itself in both the morning and afternoon.

Structure

To express both hours and minutes, say the hour first as mentioned in the section above, then add the number (1 to 59) to 分 (fan1). Note that for 1 through 9, we’ll add “0” in front of the number; for example, 2:02 is 兩點零二分 (loeng5 dim2 ling4 ji6 fan1).

• 1:05: 一點零五分 (jat1 dim2 ling4 ng5 fan1)
• 2:12: 兩點十二分 (loeng5 dim2 sap6 ji6 fan1)
• 3:15: 三點十五分 (saam1 dim2 sap6 ng5 fan1)
• 4:28: 四點二十八分 (sei3 dim2 ji6 sap6 baat3 fan1)
• 5:30: 五點三十分 (ng5 dim2 saam1 sap6 fan1)
• 6:33: 六點三十三分 (luk6 dim2 saam1 sap6 saam1 fan1)
• 7:37: 七點三十七分 (cat1 dim2 saam1 sap6 cat1 fan1)
• 8:44: 八點四十四分 (baat3 dim2 sei3 sap6 sei3 fan1)
• 9:46: 九點四十六分 (gau2 dim2 sei3 sap6 luk6 fan1)
• 10:50: 十點五十分 (sap6 dim2 ng5 sap6 fan1)
• 11:51: 十一點五十一分 (sap6 jat1 dim2 ng5 sap6 jat1 fan1)
• 12:59: 十二點五十九分 (sap6 ji6 dim2 ng5 sap6 gau2 fan1)

Example Sentence: 而家係七點三十七分。

Meaning: It’s now 7:37.

Romanization: ji4 gaa1 hai3 cat1 dim2 saam1 sap6 cat1 fan1

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Quarters

There are alternative ways to express quarters (e.g. the :15-, :30-, and :45-minute marks) in Cantonese. 

In addition to the structure introduced above, you can also use 三 (saam1) to replace 十五分 (sap6 ng5 fan1) for “:15”; 半 (bun3) to replace 三十分 (saam1 sap6 fan1) for “:30,” and 九 (gau2) to replace 四十五分 (sei3 sap6 ng5 fan1) for “:45.”

• 10:15 : 十點三 (sap6 dim2 saam1)
• 5:30 : 五點半 (ng5 dim2 bun3)
• 6:45 : 六點九 (luk6 dim2 gau2)

Example Sentence: 而家係十點三。

Meaning: It’s now 10:15.

Romanization: ji4 gaa1 hai6 sap6 dim2 saam1

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Note that the actual word for “minute” in Cantonese is 分鐘 (fan1 zung1).

3. Words that Refer to the Time of the Day

1- 上晝

Meaning: a.m. / morning

Romanization: soeng6 zau3

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example

• Sentence / Phrase: 上晝六點
• Romanization: soeng6 zau3 luk6 dim2
• Meaning:  6 o’clock a.m.

2- 下晝

Meaning: p.m. / afternoon

Romanization: haa6 zau3

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example:

• Sentence / Phrase: 下晝十一點
• Romanization: haa6 zau3 sap6 jat1 dim2
• Meaning: 11 p.m.

3- 晏晝

Meaning: noon

Romanization: aan3 zau3

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example:

• Sentence / Phrase: 晏晝十二點
• Romanization: aan3 zau3 sap6 ji6 dim2
• Meaning: 12:00 noon

4- 早上

Meaning: morning

Romanization: zou2 soeng6

Format: Written Cantonese

Example:

• Sentence / Phrase: 我在早上緩步跑。
• Romanization: ngo5 zoi6 zou2 soeng6 wun4 bou6 paau2
• Meaning: I jog in the morning.

5-  晚上

Meaning: evening

Romanization: maan5 soeng6

Format: Written Cantonese

Example:

• Sentence / Phrase: 我白天勤力工作，所以晚上放鬆。
• Romanization: ngo5 baak6 tin1 kan4 lik6 gung1 zok3, so2 ji5 maan5 soeng6 fong3 sung1
• Meaning: I work hard during the day, so I relax in the evening.

6-  白天

Meaning: daytime 

Romanization: baak6 tin1

Format: Written Cantonese

Example:

• Sentence / Phrase: 我白天勤力工作，所以晚上放鬆。
• Romanization: ngo5 baak6 tin1 kan4 lik6 gung1 zok3, so2 ji5 maan5 soeng6 fong3 sung1
• Meaning: I work hard during the day, so I relax in the evening.

7-  夜晚

Meaning: nighttime   

Romanization: je6 maan5

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example:

• Sentence / Phrase: 已經到夜晚。
• Romanization: ji5 ging1 dou3 je6 maan5
• Meaning: It’s already nighttime.

4. Time Adverbs

1- 同時

Meaning: meanwhile

Romanization: tung4 si4

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example:

• Sentence / Phrase: 我同時睇緊電視。
• Romanization: ngo5 tung4 si4 tai2 gan2 din6 si6
• Meaning: Meanwhile, I am watching TV.

2- 而家

Meaning: right now

Romanization: ji4 gaa1

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example:

• Sentence / Phrase: 而家係十二點五十九分。
• Romanization: ji4 gaa1 hai3 sap6 ji6 dim2 ng5 sap6 gau2 fan1
• Meaning: It’s now 12:59.

3- 之前

Meaning: before

Romanization: zi1 cin4

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example:

• Sentence / Phrase: 之前係我錯。 
• Romanization: zi1 cin4 hai6 ngo5 co3
• Meaning: I was wrong (before).
• Note: As there’s no past tense for verbs in Cantonese, we use 之前 (zi1 cin4) to indicate an action that happened in the past.

4- 之後

Meaning: after / later

Romanization: zi1 hau6

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example:

• Sentence / Phrase: 你話之後會搵我。 
• Romanization: nei5 waa6 zi1 hau6 wui5 wan2 ngo5
• Meaning: You promised you will find me later.

5- 就嚟

Meaning: soon

Romanization: zau6 lai4

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example:

• Sentence / Phrase: 我就嚟到。 
• Romanization: ngo5 zau6 lai4 dou3
• Meaning: I will be arriving soon.

6- 就快

Meaning: almost

Romanization: zau6 faai3

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example:

• Sentence / Phrase: 就快有十年歷史。 
• Romanization: zau6 faai3 jau5 sap6 nin4 lik6 si2
• Meaning: It’s almost ten years old.

7- 夠鐘

Meaning: It’s time

Romanization: gau3 zung1

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example:

• Sentence / Phrase: 夠鐘，停筆。 
• Romanization: gau3 zung1, ting4 bat1.
• Meaning: It’s time, pens down.

8- 好耐

Meaning: a long time

Romanization: hou2 noi6

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example:

• Sentence / Phrase: 好耐冇見。 
• Romanization: hou2 noi6 mou5 gin3
• Meaning: It’s been a long time since we last met.

9- 一早

Meaning: earlier on

Romanization: jat1 zou2

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example:

• Sentence / Phrase: 我一早就同你講唔得。 
• Romanization: ngo5 jat1 zou2 zau6 tung4 nei5 gong2 m4 dak1
• Meaning: I told you earlier on that it wouldn’t work.

10- 盡快

Meaning: as soon as possible

Romanization: zeon6 faai3

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example:

• Sentence / Phrase: 你盡快嚟。 
• Romanization: nei5 zeon6 faai3 lai4
• Meaning: Please come as soon as possible.

5. Bonus: Time Proverbs and Sayings

1- 好久不見

Meaning: Long time no see.

Romanization: hou2 gau2 bat1 gin3

Format: Written Cantonese

2- 時間就係金錢

Meaning: Time is money.

Romanization: si4 gaan3 zau6 hai6 gam1 cin4

Format: Spoken Cantonese

3- 光陰如箭

Meaning: Time flies.

Romanization: gwong1 jam1 jyu4 zin3

Format: Spoken / Written Cantonese

4- 寸金難買寸光陰

Meaning: An inch of gold will not buy an inch of time.

Romanization: cyun3 gam1 naan4 maai5 cyun3 gwong1 jam1

Format: Spoken / Written Cantonese

5- 時間可以治療一切

Meaning: Time heals all wounds. 

Romanization: si4 gaan3 ho2 ji5 zi6 liu4 jat1 cit3

Format: Spoken / Written Cantonese

Do you want to learn how to tell dates as well? Check out our article on dates here!

6. Conclusion: How CantoneseClass101.com Can Help You Learn More Cantonese

Learning how to tell time is important—but it’s equally crucial to cherish your time and spend it wisely. If your goal is to better your Cantonese, we do advise you to invest your time in CantoneseClass101.com!

With CantoneseClass101.com, you can have your daily dose of Cantonese whenever and wherever you want, through mobile apps, desktop software, and our website. We offer entertaining, engaging, and effective lessons on various aspects of the Cantonese language and culture.

Until now, we’ve delivered more than 750,000,000 lessons to thousands of happy students from all around the globe. You can learn Cantonese with over 1060 audio and video lessons delivered by our knowledgeable and energetic hosts, detailed PDF lesson notes, an abundance of vocabulary learning tools, spaced repetition flashcards, and a lively community to discuss the lessons with fellow learners. What are you waiting for? Download our lessons, enjoy our audio and video files, and start learning now!

And keep in mind that if you prefer a one-on-one learning approach and want to further accelerate your Cantonese learning, you can take advantage of our MyTeacher program! 

Know that your hard work will pay off, and before you know it, you’ll be speaking Cantonese like a native! 

Before you go, let us know in the comments what time it is where you are, in Cantonese! It’ll be good practice. 😉 We look forward to hearing from you!

Being able to ask for and give directions is one of the practical skills you need to learn when studying a new language. And if you’re traveling to Hong Kong, learning Cantonese directions will surely help you better navigate the city!

What are you waiting for? Read on and learn Cantonese directions with us here at CantoneseClass101.com.

Table of Contents

1. Directions on the Map
2. Directions on the Road
3. Landmarks
4. Must-know Phrases for Asking for Directions
5. Must-know Phrases for Giving Directions in Cantonese
6. Conclusion: How CantoneseClass101.com Can Help You Learn More Cantonese

1. Directions on the Map

Need to give someone a specific direction in Cantonese? Here are the compass directions for you:

• North: 北 (bak1)
• East: 東 (dung1)
• South: 南 (naam4)
• West: 西 (sai1)
• Northeast: 東北 (dung bak1)
• Southeast: 東南 (dung1 naam4)
• Northwest: 西北 (sai1 bak1)
• Southwest: 西南 (sai1 naam4)

Example Sentences

Sentence 1: 你可唔可以喺地圖上指出嚟？

Romanization: nei5 ho2 m4 ho2 ji5 hai2 dei6 tou4 soeng6 zi2 ceot1 lei4

Meaning: Can you please point it out on the map?

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 2: 向東行 

Romanization: hoeng3 dung1 hang4

Meaning: Walk eastward.

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 3: 郵局喺呢個鎮嘅北邊 

Romanization: jau4 guk2 hai2 ni1 go3 zan3 ge3 bak1 bin1

Meaning: The post office is located in the west side of the town.

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 4: 香港喺亞洲嘅東邊 

Romanization: hoeng1 gong2 hai2 ngaa3 zau1 ge3 dung1 bin1

Meaning: Hong Kong is in east Asia.

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 5: 元朗喺香港嘅西北邊

Romanization: jyun4 long5 hai2 hoeng1 gong2 ge3 sai1 bak1 bin1

Meaning: Yuen Long is situated in the northwest part of Hong Kong.

Format: Spoken Cantonese

2. Directions on the Road

• Up: 上 (soeng5/6)
• Down: 下 (haa6)
• Left: 左 (zo2)
• Right: 右 (jau6)
• Front: 前 (cin4)
• Back: 後 (hau6)
• Downhill: 落山 (lok6 saan1)
• Uphill: 上山 (soeng5 saan1)
• Middle: 中 (zung1)
• Outside: 外面 (ngoi6 min6)
• Opposite: 對面 (deoi3 min6)
• Beside / Next to: 隔籬 (gaak3 lei4)
• In front of: 前面 (cin4 min6)
• Behind: 後面 (hau6 min6)

Example Sentences

Example 1: 應該點去呢度？

Romanization: jing1 goi1 dim2 heoi3 ni1 dou6

Meaning: How should I get there?

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example 2: 喺右邊

Romanization: hai2 jau6 bin1

Meaning: On the right side

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example 3: 郵局喺銀行嘅前面 

Romanization: jau4 guk2 hai2 ngan4 hong4 ge3 cin4 min6

Meaning: The post office is in front of the bank.

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example 4: 皇后像廣場喺地鐵站嘅隔籬 

Romanization: wong4 hau6 zoeng6 gwong2 coeng4 hai2 dei6 tit3 zaam6 ge3 gaak3 lei4

Meaning: Statue Square is next to the MTR station.

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example 5: 警署喺學校嘅對面

Romanization: ging2 cyu5 hai2 hok6 haau6 ge3 deoi3 min6

Meaning: The police station is opposite the school.

Format: Spoken Cantonese

3. Landmarks

• Train station: 車站 (ce1 zaam6)
• Bank: 銀行 (ngan4 hong4)
• Hospital: 醫院 (ji1 jyun2)
• Garden: 花園 (faan1 jyun2)
• Police station: 警署 (ging2 cyu5)
• School: 學校 (hok6 haau6)
• Metro Station (MTR station in HK): 地鐵站 (dei6 tit3 zaam6)
• Airport: 機場 (gei1 coeng4)
• Hotel: 酒店 (zau2 dim3)
• Traffic light: 紅綠燈 (hung4 luk6 dang1)

Example Sentences

Sentence 1: 應該點去車站？

Romanization: jing1 goi1 dim2 heoi3 ce1 zaam6

Meaning: How should I get to the train station?

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 2: 醫院喺花園嘅後面 

Romanization: ji1 jyun2 hai2 faa1 jyun2 ge3 hau6 min6

Meaning: The hospital is at the back of the garden.

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 3: 過咗紅綠燈就會見到

Romanization: gwo3 zo2 hung4 luk6 dang1 zau6 wui5 gin3 dou2

Meaning: You will be able to see it after you have passed the traffic light.

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 4: 機場好遠 

Romanization: gei1 coeng4 hou2 jyun5

Meaning: The airport is far away.

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 5: 酒店喺地鐵站嘅隔籬 

Romanization: zau2 dim3 hai2 dei6 tit3 zaam6 ge3 gaak3 lei4

Meaning: The hotel is next to the MTR station.

Format: Spoken Cantonese

4. Must-know Phrases for Asking for Directions

When traveling in business, or just moving around the city, one of the most important skills is finding your way around. The magic word here is 邊度 (bin1 dou6), which essentially means “where.” To show you how to ask for directions in Cantonese, here are a couple of the most common sentence structures.

1 – Where is it?

The sentence structure to ask “where is it” is:

• Sentence: PLACE + 喺邊度？
• Meaning: Where is PLACE? 
• Romanization: PLACE + hai2 bin1 dou6

Example Sentences

Sentence 1: 會議室喺邊度？

Romanization: wui6 ji5 sat1 hai2 bin1 dou6

Meaning: Where is the meeting room?

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 2: 洗手間喺邊度？

Romanization: sai2 sau2 gaan1 hai2 bin1 dou6

Meaning: Where is the washroom?

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 3: 登記台喺邊度？

Romanization: dang1 gei3 toi4 hai2 bin1 dou6

Meaning: Where is the registration desk?

Format: Spoken Cantonese

2 – Where can I do something?

We rearrange the Cantonese words for “where is it” to ask for where we can do something. Note that we can also add 請問 (cing2 man6) to the front to be more polite:

• Sentence: 請問喺邊度 + ACTION ？
• Meaning: Excuse me, where can I ACTION? 
• Romanization: cing2 man6 hai2 bin1 dou6 + ACTION

Example Sentences

Sentence 1: 請問喺邊度泊車？

Romanization: cing2 man6 hai2 bin1 dou6 paak3 ce1

Meaning: Excuse me, where can I park my car?

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 2: 請問喺邊度登記？

Romanization: cing2 man6 hai2 bin1 dou6 dang1 gei3

Meaning: Excuse me, where can I register?

Format: Spoken Cantonese

5. Must-know Phrases for Giving Directions in Cantonese

Whether you need to give taxi directions in Cantonese or are trying to help someone out, here are some basic words and phrases you need to know.

1- Turn right / Turn left / Go straight

• Go straight: 直行 (zik6 haang4)
• Turn right: 轉右 (zyun3 jau6)
• Turn left: 轉左 (zyun3 zo2)

When we give directions, we usually use the form of “First……then….” In Cantonese, that’s 首先…….，然後…… (sau2 sin1……jin4 hau6 ..…..).

Example Sentences

Sentence 1: 首先直行，然後轉左。

Romanization: sau2 sin1 zik6 haang4, jin4 hau6 zyun3 zo2

Meaning: First go straight, then turn left.

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 2: 首先轉左，然後轉右。

Romanization: sau2 sin1 zyun3 zo2, jin4 hau6 zyun3 jau6

Meaning: First turn left, then turn right.

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 3: 首先轉左，然後轉右，然後直行，然後再轉左。

Romanization: sau2 sin1 zyun3 zo2, jin4 hau6 zyun3 jau6, jin4 hau6 zik6 haang4, jin4 hau6 zoi3 zyun3 zo2

Meaning: First turn left, then turn right, then go straight, then turn left again.

Format: Spoken Cantonese

2 – It’s on the x^th floor

• G/F: 地下 (dei6 haa2)
• 1/F: 一樓 (jat1 lau2)
• 2/F: 二樓 (ji6 lau2)
• 3/F: 三樓 (saam1 lau2)
• 4/F: 四樓 (sei3 lau2)
• 5/F: 五樓 (ng5 lau2)
• 6/F: 六樓 (luk6 lau2)
• 7/F: 七樓 (cat1 lau2)
• 8/F: 八樓 (baat3 lau2)
• 9/F 九樓 (gau2 lau2)
• 10/F: 十樓 (sap6 lau2)
• 11/F: 十一樓 (sap6 jat1 lau2)
• 12/F: 十二樓 (sap6 ji6 lau2)
• 13/F: 十三樓 (sap6 saam1 lau2)
• 14/F: 十四樓 (sap6 sei3 lau2)
• 15/F: 十五樓 (sap6 ng5 lau2)
• 16/F: 十六樓 (sap6 luk6 lau2)
• 17/F: 十七樓 (sap6 cat1 lau2)
• 18/F: 十八樓 (sap6 baat3 lau2)
• 19/F: 十九樓 (sap6 gau2 lau2)
• 20/F: 二十樓 (ji6 sap6 lau2)
• 21/F: 廿一樓 (jaa6 jat1 lau2)
• 22/F: 廿二樓 (jaa6 ji6 lau2)

We can give someone directions directly by saying which floor it’s on. For example, if the location is on the “tenth floor,” simply reply 十樓 (sap6 lau2). Note that in Hong Kong, we also have the “ground floor,” which is 地下 (dei6 haa2). 

When we say that something is on a given floor, we use the preposition 喺 (hai2), followed by the floor:

• Sentence: SOMETHING + 喺 + FLOOR 
• Meaning: SOMETHING is on FLOOR 
• Romanization: SOMETHING + hai2 + FLOOR

Example Sentences

Sentence 1: 參展商嘅資料喺二樓。

Romanization: caam1 zin2 soeng1 ge3 zi1 liu2 hai2 ji6 lau2

Meaning: The information for exhibitors is on the second floor.

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 2: 洗手間喺十九樓。

Romanization: sai2 sau2 gaan1 hai2 sap6 gau2 lau2

Meaning: The washroom is on the nineteenth floor.

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 3: 登記台喺地下。

Romanization: dang1 gei3 toi4 hai2 dei6 haa2

Meaning: The registration desk is on the ground floor.

Format: Spoken Cantonese

6. Conclusion: How CantoneseClass101.com Can Help You Learn More Cantonese

We hope you enjoyed learning about basic Cantonese directions with us! Let us know in the comments if you have any questions, or if there are any direction words or phrases you still want to know. We look forward to hearing from you. 

Now that you’ve learned basic Cantonese direction words and phrases, it’s time to step up your Cantonese and explore this amazing language even more!

With CantoneseClass101.com, you can have your daily dose of Cantonese whenever and wherever you want, through mobile apps, desktop software, and our website. We offer entertaining, engaging, and effective lessons on various aspects of the Cantonese language and culture.

Until now, we’ve delivered more than 750,000,000 lessons to thousands of happy students from all around the globe. You can learn Cantonese with over 1060 audio and video lessons delivered by our knowledgeable and energetic hosts, detailed PDF lesson notes, an abundance of vocabulary learning tools, spaced repetition flashcards, and a lively community to discuss the lessons with fellow learners. What are you waiting for? Download our lessons, enjoy our audio and video files, and start learning now!

And keep in mind that if you prefer a one-on-one learning approach and want to further accelerate your Cantonese learning, you can take advantage of our MyTeacher program! 
Know that your hard work will pay off, and before you know it, you’ll be speaking Cantonese like a native!

Being a HongKonger myself, I would say that Hong Kong has nurtured many very beautiful citizens—both in mind and body. To praise us (don’t be shy!), here are twenty of the most useful Cantonese compliments that you can use. And the next time you want to compliment a Cantonese girl, you’ll know very well what to say!

Table of Contents

1. Compliments on Looks
2. Compliments on Work
3. Compliments on Skills
4. Compliments on Character / Disposition
5. How to Make Your Compliments Sound More Sincere
6. What to Expect After Giving Compliments
7. How CantoneseClass101.com Can Help You Learn More Cantonese

1. Compliments on Looks

1 – 你好靚

Meaning: “You’re very beautiful.”
Romanization: nei5 hou2 leng3
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When you want to compliment a lady for her appearance, you can say this phrase.

2 – 你好靚仔

Meaning: “You’re very handsome.”
Romanization: nei5 hou2 leng3 zai2
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When you want to praise a man for his appearance, you can say this compliment in Cantonese.

3 – 你笑得好靚

Meaning: “Your smile is beautiful.”
Romanization: nei5 siu3 dak1 hou2 leng3
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When a lady is smiling, you can compliment her with this phrase.

4 – 呢件外套好襯你

Meaning: “This jacket looks nice on you.”
Romanization: ni1 gin6 ngoi6 tou3 hou2 can3 nei5
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When you want to start a conversation with a lady, but don’t want to be too forward, you can use this phrase.

5 – 件衫好襯你

Meaning: “This shirt looks nice on you.”
Romanization: gin6 saam1 hou2 can3 nei5
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When you want to start a conversation with a man, but don’t want to be too forward, you can use this phrase.

Check out this list of Compliments You Always Want to Hear for more Cantonese compliments you can use!

2. Compliments on Work

6 – 你好叻

Meaning: “You’re smart.”
Romanization: nei5 hou2 lek1
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When someone brings up a great idea or solves a problem, you may say this phrase.

7 – 做得好

Meaning: “Great job.”
Romanization: zou6 dak1 hou2
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When someone completes a task perfectly, you can praise him or her with this phrase.

8 – 你嘅履歷好出色

Meaning: “Your resume is impressive.”
Romanization: nei5 ge3 lei5 lik6 hou2 ceot1 sik1
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When your friend sends you her resume and it’s well-written, you can say this phrase.

9 – 你嘅表現超乎我意料之外

Meaning: “You’ve exceeded my expectations.”
Romanization: nei5 ge3 biu2 jin6 ciu1 fu4 ngo5 ji3 liu6 zi1 ngoi6
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When someone manages a difficult project well, you may praise him or her with this phrase.

10 – 你好勁

Meaning: “You’re awesome.”
Romanization: nei5 hou2 ging6
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When someone solves a difficult problem for you, you may reply with this phrase.

Do you need more vocabulary for the workplace or talking about your job? CantoneseClass101 has you covered!

3. Compliments on Skills

11 – 我鍾意你煮嘅嘢食

Meaning: “I love your cooking.”
Romanization: ngo5 zung1 ji3 nei5 zyu2 ge3 je5 sik6
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When your special someone cooks for you, you may praise him or her with this phrase.

12 – 你好有品味

Meaning: “You have good taste.”
Romanization: nei5 hou2 jau5 ban2 mei6
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When someone shares a great bottle of wine with you, you may compliment him or her with this phrase.

13 – 你好識得講嘢

Meaning: “You have a way with words.”
Romanization: nei5 hou2 sik1 dak1 gong2 je5
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: After someone offers you a compliment in Cantonese, you may praise him or her back with this phrase.

14 – 你係一個好出色嘅廚師

Meaning: “You’re an excellent cook.”
Romanization: nei5 hai6 jat1 go3 hou2 ceot1 sik1 ge3 cyu4 si1
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: You may compliment your cook after an excellent dinner using this Cantonese compliment.

15 – 你影相影得好靚

Meaning: “You are good at taking pictures.”
Romanization: nei5 jing2 soeng2 jing2 dak1 hou2 leng3
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When someone shows you photos that they’ve taken, you may say this phrase.

If you need some ideas on what to compliment someone on, CantoneseClass101 has a vocabulary list for hobbies, and another one for common adjectives.

4. Compliments on Character / Disposition

16 – 你嘅內在美仲靚過你嘅外在美

Meaning: “Your inside is even more beautiful than your outside.”
Romanization: nei5 ge3 noi6 zoi6 mei5 zung6 leng3 gwo3 nei5 ge3 ngoi6 zoi6 mei5
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When someone does a good deed, you may praise him or her with this phrase.

17 – 你令我想成為一個更加好嘅人

Meaning: “You make me want to be a better person.”
Romanization: nei5 ling6 ngo5 soeng2 sing4 wai4 jat1 go3 gang3 gaa1 hou2 ge3 jan4
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When you’re madly in love with your special someone, you may say this phrase.

18 – 你係一個好好嘅朋友

Meaning: “You are an awesome friend.”
Romanization: nei5 hai6 jat1 go3 hou2 hou2 ge3 pang4 jau5
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When your friend accompanies you when you’re down, you can show your appreciation with this compliment.

19 – 你好搞笑

Meaning: “You have a great sense of humor.”
Romanization: nei5 hou2 gaau2 siu3
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When someone tells a joke that cracks you up, you may praise him or her with this phrase.

20 – 你好好人

Meaning: “You’re really nice.”
Romanization: nei5 hou2 hou2 jan4
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When someone goes out of his or her way to help you, you may say this to them.

Do you want more vocabulary to enhance your compliments in Cantonese? CantoneseClass101 has a vocabulary list for Cantonese adjectives related to personality, and another to help you talk about feelings!

5. How to Make Your Compliments Sound More Sincere

Giving compliments is easy—but making them sound genuine takes some effort. Make sure you follow these four rules when you give a compliment!

1. Be Authentic

The most straightforward way to make a compliment sound sincere is to actually be sincere. Before you make a comment or throw out a word of praise, be sure that you’re doing so because it’s truly deserved—not just out of politeness. Imagine how you would feel if someone praised you for things you didn’t do! That’s not gonna be a plus, but a minus!

2. Be Specific

Vague and open-ended compliments can sometimes be undesirable and difficult for the recipient to respond to.

Instead of just saying “You’re awesome,” you can back the compliment with concrete examples and specify which action he or she did that deserves such a compliment. For example: “We’ve been solving this issue for an hour already, but it only took you ten minutes. You’re awesome!”

3. Be Relevant

Timing is essential when it comes to giving out compliments. You can compliment your partner for being a great cook after he or she cooks you a meal, but it may sound a bit awkward if you give such a compliment when you two are cycling.

Context can make a whole lot of difference. Do consider time and place before giving your compliment.

4. Be Concise

When complimenting someone, it’s best to keep your compliment short. Why? If you keep dragging your compliment on, you risk attracting unnecessary attention from others, making your recipient uncomfortable. You may make him or her wonder why you would give such a compliment in the first place!

6. What to Expect After Giving Compliments

What can you expect from a HongKonger after complimenting them? Different people may respond differently, but you can usually expect one of three reactions:

• “Thank you.”: Saying 多謝 (do1 ze6), or “thank you” in Cantonese, is the most common response after receiving a compliment.
• “Nah.”: Some people may say 邊度係呢 (bin1 dou6 hai6 ne1) or 唔敢當 (m4 gam2 dong1) to brush off compliments.
• “Run!”: A few may just get uncomfortable and shy away from compliments altogether.

7. How CantoneseClass101.com Can Help You Learn More Cantonese

What’s your favorite Cantonese compliment? Share with us in the comments, or let us know if there’s another compliment you want to learn!

After mastering Cantonese compliments, it’s time to level up your Cantonese! With CantoneseClass101.com, you can have your daily dose of Cantonese whenever and wherever you want, through mobile apps, desktop software, and our website. We offer entertaining, engaging, and effective lessons on various aspects of the Cantonese language and culture.

Until now, we’ve delivered more than 750,000,000 lessons to thousands of happy students from all around the globe. You can learn Cantonese with over 1060 audio and video lessons delivered by our knowledgeable and energetic hosts, detailed PDF lesson notes, abundance of vocabulary learning tools, spaced repetition flashcards, and a lively community to discuss lessons with fellow learners. What are you waiting for? Download our lessons, enjoy our audio and video files, and start learning now!

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Know that your hard work will pay off, and before you know it, you’ll be speaking Cantonese like a native!