
Just imagine: You’re going out with a group of native Cantonese-speakers. This is the perfect opportunity to make friends and practice your Cantonese in a real-life situation! But how do you break the ice? What should you say if you run out of topics or if your Cantonese isn’t solid enough to fuel the conversation?
The universal answer is: ask questions!
Among countless benefits, being able to ask questions in Cantonese will help you avoid awkward silences by keeping the conversation going. It will also make the other person feel like you want to know more about them and value their opinion, thus making you more likeable. Asking questions opens a world of new information and cultural insight!
And one more perk: you don’t have to talk too much, just sit back and listen. Don’t think about your next question or how to steer the conversation back toward yourself. Just enjoy the ride and dive into whatever the other person has to say.
Convinced yet?
In this guide, you’ll not only learn how to ask questions in Cantonese, but also how to answer them. Let’s get started!

- What’s your name?
- Where are you from?
- Do you speak Cantonese?
- How long have you been studying ?
- Have you been to [country/city]?
- How are you?
- What time is it?
- What are you doing?
- What’s wrong?
- How much is it?
- How CantoneseClass101.com Can Help You Learn More Cantonese
1. What’s your name?

Q: 你叫咩名?
“What’s your name?” has to be the most common conversation starter of all. Make sure you keep it in your pocket list!
Romanization: nei5 giu3 me1 meng2
Breakdown:
Character | Romanization | Meaning |
你 | nei5 | You |
叫 | giu3 | Call |
咩 | me1 | What |
名 | meng2 | Name |
A: 我叫。
The answer to this question is pretty straightforward. You either state your name directly, or add the words 我叫before your name and make it “我叫.”
Romanization: ngo5 giu3 .
Breakdown:
Character | Romanization | Meaning |
我 | ngo5 | I |
叫 | giu3 | Call |
See some examples of how to answer this question in Cantonese below!
Example 1
Chinese Characters: 我叫欣怡。
Meaning: My name is Yan-yee.
Romanization: ngo5 giu3 jan1 ji4
Example 2
Chinese Characters: 我叫俊傑。
Meaning: My name is Chun-kit.
Romanization: ngo5 giu3 zeon3 git6
Example 3
Chinese Characters: 我叫詠珊。
Meaning: My name is Wing-shan.
Romanization: ngo5 giu3 wing6 saan1
Example 4
Chinese Characters: 我叫偉文。
Meaning: My name is Wai-man.
Romanization: ngo5 giu3 wai5 man4
2. Where are you from?
Q: 你邊度嚟㗎?
This Cantonese question opens up a lot of possible conversation topics, such as cultural differences and must-see places, for you and your new Cantonese friends!
Romanization: nei5 bin1 dou6 lei4 gaa3
Breakdown:
Character | Romanization | Meaning |
你 | nei5 | You |
邊度 | bin1 dou6 | Where |
嚟 | lei4 | Come |
㗎 | gaa3 | a Cantonese question particle that indicates question or doubt |
A: 我嚟嘅。
There are two ways you can answer this question. The first is by answering directly with your city or country:
- 香港 (hoeng1 gong2) – “Hong Kong”
You may also add the word 我 before “Hong Kong,” and 嚟嘅 after it: 我香港嚟嘅.
Romanization: ngo5 lei4 ge3
Breakdown:
Character | Romanization | Meaning |
我 | ngo5 | I |
嚟 | lei4 | To come |
嘅 | ge3 | a final particle that implies assertion with emphasis |
Here are some examples:
Example 1
Chinese Characters: 我美國嚟嘅。
Meaning: I’m from the U.S.
Romanization: ngo5 mei5 gwok3 lei4 ge3
Example 2
Chinese Characters: 我英國嚟嘅。
Meaning: I’m from England.
Romanization: ngo5 jing1 gwok3 lei4 ge3
Example 3
Chinese Characters: 我中國嚟嘅。
Meaning: I’m from China.
Romanization: ngo5 zung1 gwok3 lei4 ge3
Example 4
Chinese Characters: 我德國嚟嘅。
Meaning: I’m from Germany.
Romanization: ngo5 dak1 gwok3 lei4 ge3
- → For a list of more countries, check out CantoneseClass101’s relevant vocabulary list!
3. Do you speak Cantonese?

Q: 你識唔識講?
This is one of those basic Cantonese questions that you may be asked when you meet new friends in Hong Kong!
Romanization: nei5 sik1 m4 sik1 gong2
Breakdown:
Character | Romanization | Meaning |
你 | nei5 | You |
識唔識 | sik1 m4 sik1 | To know or not |
講 | gong2 | Speak |
Here’s an example:
Chinese Characters: 你識唔識講廣東話?
Meaning: Do you speak Cantonese?
Romanization: nei5 sik1 m4 sik1 gong2 gwong2 dung1 waa2
A: Varies
Depending on how well you know the language, you can answer with one of the below phrases!
Answer | Romanization | Meaning |
識少少。 | sik1 siu2 siu2 | Yes, I speak a little. |
識一啲。 | sik1 jat1 di1 | Yes, I speak some. |
識啲啲。 | sik1 di1 di1 | Yes, I speak a little bit. |
識大部分。 | sik1 daai6 bou6 fan6 | Yes, I speak quite a lot. |
4. How long have you been studying ?

Q: 你學咗幾耐?
Once your new Cantonese friends find out that you speak at least a little bit of their language, you may very likely be asked this question!
Romanization: nei5 hok6 zo2 gei2 noi6
Breakdown:
Character | Romanization | Meaning |
你 | nei5 | You |
學咗 | hok6 zo2 | To have learned |
幾耐 | gei2 noi6 | How long |
Here’s an example:
Chinese Characters: 你學咗廣東話幾耐?
Meaning: How long have you been studying Cantonese?
Romanization: nei5 hok6 zo2 gwong2 dung1 waa2 gei2 noi6
A: Varies
Here are a few examples of how you can answer this question.
Answer | Romanization | Meaning |
一個月。 | jat1 go3 jyut6 | For one month. |
一年。 | jat1 nin4 | For one year. |
三個月。 | saam1 go3 jyut6 | For three months. |
兩年。 | loeng5 nin4 | For two years. |
5. Have you been to [country/city]?

Q: 你有冇去過?
Another great conversation starter. You can share your travel stories and learn more about your Cantonese friends’ adventures!
Romanization: nei5 jau5 mou5 heoi3 gwo3
Breakdown:
Character | Romanization | Meaning |
你 | nei5 | You |
有冇 | jau5 mou5 | To have or to not have |
去過 | heoi3 gwo3 | Have been |
Here’s an example:
Chinese Characters: 你有冇去過香港?
Meaning: Have you been to Hong Kong?
Romanization: nei5 jau5 mou5 heoi3 gwo3 hoeng1 gong2
A: Varies
Answer | Romanization | Meaning |
有呀,去過兩次。 | jau5 aa3, heoi3 gwo3 loeng5 ci3 | Yes, I’ve been twice. |
有呀,去過四次。 | jau5 aa3, heoi3 gwo3 sei3 ci3 | Yes, I’ve been four times. |
有呀,去過一次。 | jau5 aa3, heoi3 gwo3 jat1 ci3 | Yes, I’ve been once. |
冇呀。 | mou5 aa3 | No. (I have never been.) |
6. How are you?
Q: 你好嗎?
This is one of the most useful Cantonese questions to know, especially once you’ve made some good friends and want to inquire about their well-being.
Romanization: nei5 hou2 maa3
Breakdown:
Character | Romanization | Meaning |
你 | nei5 | You |
好 | hou2 | Good |
嗎 | maa3 | a Cantonese question particle |
A: Varies
Answer | Romanization | Meaning |
我幾好。 | ngo5 gei2 hou2 | I’m fine. |
我好好。 | ngo5 hou2 hou2 | I’m great. |
我非常好。 | ngo5 fei1 soeng4 hou2 | I’m very good. |
我唔係幾好。 | ngo5 m4 hai6 gei2 hou2 | I’m not so well. |
- → Do you need more vocabulary to answer this question? Have a look at our vocabulary list of words and phrases for describing your feelings!
7. What time is it?

Q: 而家幾點?
A great question to ask when you don’t have your watch with you!
Romanization: ji4 gaa1 gei2 dim2
Breakdown:
Character | Romanization | Meaning |
而家 | ji4 gaa1 | Now |
幾 | gei2 | How long / How many / How much |
點 | dim2 | Time |
A: Varies
Answer | Romanization | Meaning |
十二點。 | sap6 ji6 dim2 | It’s twelve o’clock. |
九點。 | gau2 dim2 | It’s nine o’clock. |
六點。 | luk6 dim2 | It’s six o’clock. |
兩點。 | loeng5 dim2 | It’s two o’clock. |
8. What are you doing?
Q: 你做緊咩?
Are you curious what your new bestie is up to? Ask them in Cantonese!
Romanization: nei5 zou6 gan2 me1
Breakdown:
Character | Romanization | Meaning |
你 | nei5 | You |
做緊 | zou6 gan2 | Doing |
咩 | me1 | What |
A: Varies
Answer | Romanization | Meaning |
我諗緊嘢。 | ngo5 lam2 gan2 je5 | I’m thinking. |
我食緊嘢。 | ngo5 sik6 gan2 je5 | I’m eating. |
我做緊嘢。 | ngo5 zou6 gan2 je5 | I’m working. |
我畫緊嘢。 | ngo5 waak6 gan2 je5 | I’m drawing. |
9. What’s wrong?

Q: 咩事呀?
Does your friend seem down today? Ask them what’s wrong, and lend a listening ear!
Romanization: me1 si6 aa3
Breakdown:
Character | Romanization | Meaning |
咩 | me1 | What |
事 | si6 | Matter |
呀 | aa3 | a Cantonese question particle |
A: Varies
Answer | Romanization | Meaning |
我好攰。 | ngo5 hou2 gui6 | I’m tired. |
我唔舒服。 | ngo5 m4 syu1 fuk6 | I’m unwell. |
我好眼瞓。 | ngo5 hou2 ngaan5 fan3 | I’m sleepy. |
我擔⼼。 | ngo5 daam1 sam1 | I’m worried. |
10. How much is it?
Q: 呢個幾錢?
You have to know this question if you plan on shopping in Hong Kong!
Romanization: ni1 go3 gei2 cin2
Breakdown:
Character | Romanization | Meaning |
呢個 | ni1 go3 | This |
幾 | gei2 | How long / How many / How much |
錢 | cin2 | Money |
A: Varies
Answer | Romanization | Meaning |
五十蚊。 | ng5 sap6 man1 | $50 |
一百蚊。 | jat1 baak3 man1 | $100 |
二千蚊 | ji6 cin1 man1 | $2000 |
兩百蚊。 | loeng5 baak3 man1 | $200 |
- → Do check out our number article for more examples!
11. How CantoneseClass101.com Can Help You Learn More Cantonese
By now, you should have a better idea of how to ask and answer the most common Cantonese questions. Are there any important questions or answers we didn’t include? Let us know in the comments and we’ll do our best to help.
Fancy learning more Cantonese after familiarizing yourself with the questions and answers above?
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 by upgrading your account!
Know that your hard work will pay off, and before you know it, you’ll be speaking Cantonese like a native!

The 10 Most Useful Cantonese Sentence Patterns

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!

- Linking Two Nouns: A is B
- Using Adjectives to Describe: A is [Adjective]
- Expressing “Want”
- Expressing “Need”
- Expressing “Like” or “Love”
- Politely Asking Someone to Do Something
- Asking for Permission
- Asking for Information About Something
- Asking About Time
- 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
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Cantonese Adverb List: 100+ Useful Cantonese Adverbs

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).

- What is an Adverb?
- Adverbs of Time
- Adverbs of Frequency
- Adverbs of Place
- Adverbs of Manner
- Adverbs of Degree
- Adverbs for Connecting Thoughts
- How to Use Adverbs in a Sentence
- 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!
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!

100 Cantonese Verbs Just for You!

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!

- Cantonese Verbs Overview
- Action Verbs
- Helping Verbs
- Linking Verbs
- 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!

Your Ultimate Guide to Cantonese Pronouns

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!

- Cantonese Personal Pronouns
- Demonstrative Pronouns
- Interrogative Pronouns
- Indefinite Pronouns
- 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!

Your Guide to Cantonese Word Order

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!

- Cantonese Word Order Overview
- Basic Word Order with Subject, Verb, and Object
- Word Order with Prepositional Phrases
- Word Order with Modifiers
- How to Form a Negative Sentence
- Bonus: Translation Exercises
- 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!

The Ultimate Guide to Telling Time in Cantonese

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.

- How to Ask for the Time
- How to Tell Time in Cantonese
- Words that Refer to the Time of the Day
- Time Adverbs
- Bonus: Time Proverbs and Sayings
- 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!

100 Cantonese Nouns Just for You!

Nouns are vital in our everyday conversations. Without them, you wouldn’t be able to talk about people, objects, places, or ideas—or communicate effectively.
The more Cantonese nouns you know, the easier it will be for you to master the Cantonese language. Can’t wait to learn the most common Cantonese nouns? Keep reading and let CantoneseClass101.com give you a hand!
Note that we’ll provide both written and spoken example sentences or phrases throughout the article. This way, you can learn Cantonese nouns in both formats. We’ve used symbols to help you identify which ones are written (w), spoken (s), or applicable to both (ws).
Okay. Now, let’s learn some nouns in Cantonese!

- Nouns for Appliances
- Nouns for Technology
- Nouns for Transportation
- Nouns for Dining
- Nouns for School Essentials
- Nouns for Occupation
- Nouns for Family Members
- Nouns for Body Parts
- Nouns for Time
- Nouns for Hobbies
- How CantoneseClass101 Can Help You Learn More Cantonese
1. Nouns for Appliances

# | Chinese Characters | Romanization | Meaning | Example |
1 | 微波爐 | mei4 bo1 lou4 | microwave oven | (s) 我買咗不鏽鋼微波爐。 ngo5 maai5 zo2 bat1 sau3 gong3 mei4 bo1 lou4 I bought a stainless steel microwave oven. |
2 | 吸塵機 | kap1 can4 gei1 | vacuum cleaner | (s) 呢部係直立式吸塵機。 ne1 bou6 hai6 zik6 laap6 sik1 kap1 can4 gei1 This is an upright vacuum cleaner. |
3 | 雪櫃 | syut3 gwai6 | refrigerator | (s) 雪櫃係嗰度。 syut3 gwai6 hai2 go2 dou6 The refrigerator is over there. |
4 | 風扇 | fung1 sin3 | fan | (ws) 我有風扇。 ngo5 jau5 fung1 sin3 I got a fan. |
5 | 爐 | lou4 | stove | (w) 茶壺在爐上。 caa4 wu2 zoi6 lou4 soeng6 The kettle is on the stove. |
6 | 電視 | din6 si6 | TV | (w) 電視機在客廳裡。 din6 si6 gei1 zoi6 haak3 teng1 leoi5 The television is in the living room. |
7 | DVD機 | DVD gei1 | DVD player | (w) 我們每個星期三晚用DVD機看電影。 ngo5 mun4 mui5 go3 sing1 kei4 saam1 maan5 jung6 DVD gei1 hon3 din6 jing2 We watch movies on the DVD player every Wednesday night. |
8 | 洗衣機 | sai2 ji1 gei1 | washing machine | (w) 我用洗衣機洗衣服保持衣服乾淨。 ngo5 jung6 sai2 ji1 gei1 sai2 ji1 fuk6 bou2 ci4 ji1 fuk6 gon1 zeng6 I use the washing machine to keep my clothes clean. |
9 | 冷氣機 | laang5 hei3 gei1 | air conditioner | (w) 在炎炎夏日,冷氣機為我們整天送涼風。 zoi6 jim4 jim4 haa6 jat6, laang5 hei3 gei1 wai6 ngo5 mun4 zing2 tin1 sung3 loeng4 fung1 On a hot summer day, the air conditioner works all day to keep us cool. |
10 | 筆記型電腦 | bat1 gei3 jing4 din6 nou5 | laptop | (w) 筆記型電腦讓我隨時隨地都可以工作。 bat1 gei3 jing4 din6 nou5 joeng6 ngo5 ceoi4 si4 ceoi4 dei6 dou1 ho2 ji5 gung1 zok3 The laptop computer allows me to work almost anywhere. |
2. Nouns for Technology

# | Chinese Characters | Romanization | Meaning | Example |
1 | Wi-Fi router | Wi-Fi router | Wi-Fi router | (s) Wi-Fi router 喺邊? Wi-Fi router hai2 bin1 Where is the Wi-Fi router? |
2 | blog | blog | blog | (s) 你睇我嘅blog啦。 nei2 tai2 ngo5 ge3 blog laa1 You can read my blog. |
3 | 互聯網 | wu6 lyun4 mong5 | Internet | This example includes all the words below as well: (w) 市民可在互聯網(#3)流覽網頁(#7)、網站(#8)、社交媒體(#9)及電子郵件(#10),亦有搜尋(#4)、上載(#5)及下載(#6)服務。 si5 man4 ho2 zoi6 wu6 lyun4 mong5 lau4 laam5 mong5 jip6, mong5 zaam6, se5 gaau1 mui4 tai2 kap6 din6 zi2 jau4 gin2, jik6 jau5 sau2 cam4, soeng6 zoi3 kap6 haa6 zoi3 fuk6 mou6 Citizens can browse the webpage, website, social media, and email on the Internet. There are also search, upload, and download functions. |
4 | 搜尋 | sau2 cam4 | search | |
5 | 下載 | haa6 zoi3 | download | |
6 | 上載 | soeng6 zoi3 | upload | |
7 | 網頁 | mong5 jip6 | webpage | |
8 | 網站 | mong5 zaam6 | website | |
9 | 社交媒體 | se5 gaau1 mui4 tai2 | social media | |
10 | 電子郵件 | din6 zi2 jau4 gin2 |
3. Nouns for Transportation
# | Chinese Characters | Romanization | Meaning | Example |
1 | 飛機 | fei1 gei1 | airplane | (s) 我會搭___。 ngo5 wui5 daap3 ___ I will take ______. *Note: #1-#7 are similar and share the same grammatical features. The above example phrase applies to all #1-#7 – you can simply fill in the blanks. |
2 | 地鐵 | dei6 tit3 | subway | |
3 | 小巴 | siu2 baa1 | minibus | |
4 | 巴士 | baa1 si2 | bus | |
5 | 渡輪 | dou6 leon4 | ferry | |
6 | 電車 | din6 ce1 | tram | |
7 | 的士 | dik1 si2 | taxi | |
8 | 巴士站 | baa1 si2 zaam6 | bus stop | (s) 我要去____。 ngo5 jiu3 heoi3 ____ I need to get to the ______. *Note: #8-#9 are similar and share the same grammatical features. The above example phrase applies to all #8-#9 – you can simply fill in the blanks. |
9 | 機場 | gei1 ceong4 | airport | |
10 | 車費 | ce1 fai3 | (transportation with wheels) fare | (s) 幾多錢車費係? gei2 do1 cin2 ce1 fai3 How much is the fare? |
4. Nouns for Dining

# | Chinese Characters | Romanization | Meaning | Example |
1 | 貼士 | tip1 si2 | tip | (w) 男士正在给侍應貼士。 naam4 si6 zing3 zoi6 kap1 si6 jing3 tip1 si2 The gentleman is tipping the waiter. |
2 | 侍應 | si6 jing3 | waitress / waiter | (w) 穿著制服的侍應。 cyun1 zoek6 zai3 fuk6 dik1 si6 jing3 waitress/waiter in uniform |
3 | 晚餐 | maan5 caan1 | dinner | (w) 我和家人每晚都一起吃晚餐。 ngo5 wo4 gaa1 jan4 mui5 maan5 dou1 jat1 hei2 hek3 maan5 caan1 My family eats dinner together every night. |
4 | 中菜 | zung1 coi3 | Chinese food | (w) 中菜很美味! zung1 coi3 han2 mei5 mei4 Chinese food is delicious! |
5 | 筷子 | faai3 zi2 | chopsticks | (w) 筷子在碗上。 faai3 zi2 zoi6 wun2 soeng6 The chopsticks are on the bowl. |
6 | 餐單 | caan1 daan1 | menu | (w) 從餐單裡選擇 cung4 caan1 daan1 leoi5 syun2 zaak6 Select from the menu. |
7 | 帳單 | zoeng3 daan1 | bill | (w) 不貴的帳單 bat1 gwai3 dik1 zoeng3 daan1 inexpensive bill |
8 | 水 | seoi2 | water | (w) 可以給我一些水嗎? ho2 ji5 kap1 ngo5 jat1 se1 seoi2 maa1 Can I have some water, please? |
9 | 廚師 | cyu4 si1 | chef | (s) 廚師喺度煮嘢食。 cyu4 si1 hai2 dou6 zyu2 je5 sik6 The chef is making a meal. |
10 | 信用卡 | seon3 jung6 kaat1 | credit card | (s) 你嘅信用卡號碼係咩? nei2 ge3 seon3 jung6 kaat1 hou6 maa5 hai6 me1 What is your credit card number? |
5. Nouns for School Essentials

# | Chinese Characters | Romanization | Meaning | Example |
1 | 作業 | zok3 jip6 | homework | (w) 作業是學習中重要的一環。 zok3 jip6 si6 hok6 zaap6 zung1 zung6 jiu3 dik1 jat1 waan4 Your homework is one important part of the learning experience. |
2 | 筆記簿 | bat1 gei3 bou2 | notebook | (w) 白色單行筆記簿 baak6 sik1 daan1 hong4 bat1 gei3 bou2 white lined notebook |
3 | 同學 | tung4 hok6 | classmate | (w) 同學們是朋友。 tung4 hok6 mun4 si6 pang4 jau5 The classmates are friends. |
4 | 大學 | daai6 hok6 | university | (w) 他從有名的大學得到了獎學金。 taa1 cung4 jau5 meng2 dik1 daai6 hok6 dak1 dou3 liu5 zoeng2 hok6 gam1 He received a full scholarship from a famous university. |
5 | 背囊 | bui3 nong4 | backpack | (s) 黑紅色背囊 hak1 hung4 sik1 bui3 nong4 red-and-black backpack |
6 | 鉛筆 | jyun4 bat1 | pencil | (s) 我可唔可以借支鉛筆嗎? ngo5 ho2 m4 ho2 ji5 ze3 zi1 jyun4 bat1 Can I borrow a pencil? |
7 | 原子筆 | jyun4 zi2 bat1 | pen | (s) 我可唔可以借支原子筆? ngo5 ho2 m4 ho2 ji5 ze3 zi1 jyun4 zi2 bat1 Can I borrow a pen? |
8 | 數學 | sou3 hok6 | math | (s) 我最鍾意嘅學校科目係數學。 ngo5 zeoi3 zung1 ji3 ge3 hok6 haau6 fo1 muk6 hai6 sou3 hok6 My favorite subject in school is Math. |
9 | 考試 | haau2 si3 | exam | (s) 我唔鍾意考試。 ngo5 m4 zung1 ji3 haau2 si3 I don’t like exams. |
10 | 學生 | hok6 sang1 | student | (s) 我係學生。 ngo5 hai6 hok6 sang1 I am a student. |
6. Nouns for Occupation

# | Chinese Characters | Romanization | Meaning | Example |
1 | 醫生 | ji1 sang1 | doctor | (s) 佢係_____。 keoi5 hai6 _____ He/she is ______. *Note: #1-#10 are similar and share the same grammatical features. The above example phrase applies to all #1-#10 – you can simply fill in the blanks. |
2 | 律師 | leot6 si1 | lawyer | |
3 | 護士 | wu6 si6 | nurse | |
4 | 經理 | ging1 lei5 | manager | |
5 | 商人 | soeng1 jan4 | businessman | |
6 | 警察 | ging2 caat3 | police | |
7 | 消防員 | siu1 fong4 jyun4 | firefighter | |
8 | 工程師 | gung1 cing4 si1 | engineer | |
9 | 公務員 | gung1 mou6 jyun4 | civil servant | |
10 | 作家 | zok3 gaa1 | writer |
7. Nouns for Family Members

# | Chinese Characters | Romanization | Meaning | Example |
1 | 媽媽 | maa4 maa1 | mother | (s) 佢係_____。 keoi5 hai6 _____ He/she is ______. *Note: #1-#10 are similar and share the same grammatical features. The above example phrase applies to all #1-#10 – you can simply fill in the blanks. |
2 | 爸爸 | baa4 baa1 | father | |
3 | 老婆 | lou5 po4 | wife | |
4 | 老公 | lou5 gung1 | husband | |
5 | 家長 | gaa1 zoeng2 | parent | |
6 | 細路 | sai3 lou6 | child | |
7 | 女 | neoi5 | daughter | |
8 | 仔 | zai2 | son | |
9 | 叔叔 | suk1 suk1 | uncle | |
10 | 孫 | syun1 | grandchild |
8. Nouns for Body Parts

# | Chinese Characters | Romanization | Meaning | Example |
1 | 腳 | goek3 | foot | (ws) 左腳 zo2 goek3 left foot |
2 | 腿 | teoi2 | leg | (ws) 長腿 coeng4 teoi2 long legs |
3 | 頭 | tau4 | head | (w) 頭及頸 tau4 kap6 geng2 head and neck |
4 | 手臂 | sau2 bei3 | arm | (ws) 兩條手臂 loeng5 tiu4 sau2 bei3 two arms |
5 | 手 | sau2 | hand | (ws) 右手 jau6 sau2 right hand |
6 | 手指 | sau2 zi2 | finger | (ws) 五隻手指 ng5 zek3 sau2 zi2 five fingers |
7 | 身體 | san1 tai2 | body | (ws) 人類身體 jan4 leoi6 san1 tai2 human body |
8 | 肚 | tou5 | stomach | (ws) 我肚痛。 ngo5 tou5 tung3 I have a stomachache. |
9 | 背脊 | bui3 zek3 | back | (w) 我整天搬重物,傷了背脊。 ngo5 zing2 tin1 bun1 cung5 mat6, soeng1 liu5 bui3 zek3 I hurt my back by lifting heavy things all day. |
10 | 胸 | hung1 | chest | (ws) 我胸口痛。 ngo5 hung1 hau2 tung3 I have chest pain. |
9. Nouns for Time

# | Chinese Characters | Romanization | Meaning | Example |
1 | 星期 | sing1 kei4 | week | (s) 一個星期有七日。 jat1 go3 sing1 kei4 jau5 cat1 jat6 There are seven days in a week. |
2 | 年 | nin4 | year | (ws) 一個年度 jat1 go3 nin4 dou6 one calendar year |
3 | 今天 | gam1 tin1 | today | (w) 今天是九月十日星期六。 gam1 tin1 si6 gau2 jyut6 sap6 jat6 sing1 kei4 luk6 Today is Saturday, September 10th. |
4 | 明天 | ming4 tin1 | tomorrow | (w) 明天見! ming4 tin1 gin3 See you tomorrow! |
5 | 昨天 | zok3 tin1 | yesterday | (w) 我昨天請假。 ngo5 zok3 tin1 ceng2 gaa3 I took a day off yesterday. |
6 | 日曆 | jat6 lik6 | calendar | (s) 我搵唔到日曆。 ngo5 wan2 m4 dou2 jat6 lik6 I can’t find the calendar. |
7 | 秒 | miu5 | second | (w) 秒錶到數只剩下五十八秒。 miu5 biu1 dou3 sou2 zi2 sing6 haa6 ng5 sap6 baat3 miu5 There are fifty-eight seconds left on the stopwatch. |
8 | 小時 | siu2 si4 | hour | (w) 一小時有六十分鐘。 jat1 siu2 si4 jau5 luk6 sap6 fan1 zung1 There are sixty minutes in an hour. |
9 | 分鐘 | fan1 zung1 | minute | (ws) 三分鐘 saam1 fan1 zung1 three minutes |
10 | 點 | dim2 | o’clock | (s) 依家幾點? yi1 gaa1 gei2 dim2 What time is it now? |
10. Nouns for Hobbies

# | Chinese Characters | Romanization | Meaning | Example |
1 | 書法 | syu1 faat3 | calligraphy | (s) 我鍾意寫書法。 ngo5 zung1 ji3 se2 syu1 faat3 I like writing calligraphy. |
2 | 結他 | git3 taa1 | guitar | (w) 你的____彈得很好。 nei5 dik1 _____ taan4 dak1 han2 hou2 You play the _____ very well. *Note: #2-#3 are similar and share the same grammatical features. The above example phrase applies to all #2-#3 – you can simply fill in the blanks. |
3 | 鋼琴 | gong3 kam4 | piano | |
4 | 喇叭 | laa3 baa1 | trumpet | (s) 我鍾意_____。 ngo5 zung1 ji3 _____ I like ______. *Note: #4-#7 are similar and share the same grammatical features. The above example phrase applies to all #4-#7 – you can simply fill in the blanks. |
5 | 小提琴 | siu2 tai4 kam4 | violin | |
6 | 音樂 | jam1 ngok6 | music | |
7 | 搖滾音樂 | jiu4 gwan2 jam1 ngok6 | rock music | |
8 | 相片 | soeng3 pin2 | photo | (w) 這是我家人的相片。 ze5 si6 ngo5 gaa1 jan4 dik1 soeng3 pin2 This is a photo of my family. |
9 | 棋 | kei2 | chess | (s) 我鍾意捉棋。 ngo5 zung1 ji3 zuk1 kei2 I like playing chess. |
10 | 書 | syu1 | book | (s) 我鍾意睇書。 ngo5 zung1 ji3 tai2 syu1 I like reading (books). |
11. How CantoneseClass101.com Can Help You Learn More Cantonese

We hope you’ve learned some useful nouns in Cantonese by now, and can describe your hobbies or home appliances with friends at ease!
Let us know in the comments any new words you learned, or Cantonese nouns you still want to know! We look forward to hearing from you!
Want to level up your Cantonese and learn more Cantonese phrases? No worries. 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!

The 20+ Most Useful Compliments in Cantonese
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
- Compliments on Looks
- Compliments on Work
- Compliments on Skills
- Compliments on Character / Disposition
- How to Make Your Compliments Sound More Sincere
- What to Expect After Giving Compliments
- 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!
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!
Getting Angry in Cantonese without Cantonese Curse Words
Even though Hong Kong might be one of the most polite cities, Hongkongers—like everyone else in the world—do have tempers. Have you ever wondered how to express yourself when you’re angry in Cantonese, especially without needing to use Cantonese swear words? Here at CantoneseClass101.com, we’re introducing the top twenty angry Cantonese phrases. Sit back, “relax,” and learn how to let someone know you’re very angry in Cantonese!
Table of Contents
- Angry Imperatives
- Angry Warnings
- Angry Blames
- Describing How You Feel
- The “Whats”
- Bonus: How to Calm Yourself Down When You’re Angry
- Conclusion: How CantoneseClass101.com Can Help You Learn More Cantonese
1. Angry Imperatives
1- 收聲
Meaning: Shut up.
Romanization: sau1 seng1
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When someone is insulting you and you want him or her to stop and shut up, you can yell this phrase.
2- 停呀
Meaning: Stop it.
Romanization: ting4 aa3
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When someone keeps doing something that annoys you, like poking you, you can shout this phrase to ask him or her to stop.
3- 唔好再講
Meaning: Cut it out.
Romanization: m4 hou2 zoi3 gong2
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When someone keeps telling you unpleasant things, you can say the above phrase to ask him or her to stop talking.
4- 冇所謂
Meaning: Whatever.
Romanization: mou5 so2 wai6
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When someone keeps asking for your opinion, but you know they’ve made up their mind already, you can just reply with the above phrase in a flat tone.
2. Angry Warnings
1- 小心講嘢
Meaning: Watch your tongue.
Romanization: siu2 sam1 gong2 je5
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When someone insults you, you can say this to them.
2- 我唔想同你講嘢
Meaning: I don’t want to talk to you.
Romanization: ngo5 m4 soeng2 tung4 nei5 gong2 je5
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When someone makes unsounded criticism toward you and you don’t even want to make an effort to defend yourself, you can reply with the phrase above.
3- 夠喇
Meaning: That’s enough.
Romanization: gau3 laa3
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When someone keeps making inappropriate jokes, this is one of the best angry Cantonese phrases to let them know it’s time to stop.
4- 唔好搞我
Meaning: Don’t mess with me.
Romanization: m4 hou2 gaau2 ngo5
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When someone is plotting against you, you can warn them to back off with this phrase.
3. Angry Blames
1- 你都唔聽我講嘢
Meaning: You’re not listening to me.
Romanization: nei5 dou1 m4 teng1 ngo5 gong2 je5
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When someone keeps asking you the same question, you can reply with the phrase above.
2- 唔關你事
Meaning: It’s none of your business.
Romanization: m4 gwaan1 nei5 si6
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When someone asks about your personal life, you can reply with this phrase.
3- 你搞咩鬼呀?
Meaning: What the heck are you doing?
Romanization: nei5 gaau2 me1 gwai2 aa3
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When someone gives you a funny look, you can say this angry phrase to him or her.
4- 你以為你係邊個呀?
Meaning: Who do you think you are?
Romanization: nei5 ji5 wai4 nei5 hai6 bin1 go3 aa3
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When someone tells you that he or she can screw your life over, you can ask them this.
5- 你玩我呀?
Meaning: Are you kidding me?
Romanization: nei5 waan2 ngo5 aa4
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When someone tells you an obvious lie, you can yell at them with this phrase.
4. Describing How You Feel
1- 我好嬲
Meaning: I’m angry.
Romanization: ngo5 hou2 nau1
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: Say this when you want someone to know you’re angry.
2- 有冇搞錯
Meaning: This is so frustrating.
Romanization: jau5 mou5 gaau2 co3
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When someone disappoints you, you can reply with the above phrase.
3- 我頂唔順喇
Meaning: I’m fed up with it.
Romanization: ngo5 ding2 m4 seon6 laa3
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When you can no longer stand your boss, you can say this to him or her.
4- 我好憎佢
Meaning: I hate him / her / it.
Romanization: ngo5 hou2 zang1 keoi5
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When someone asks about your opinion toward a person you hate, you may reply with the above phrase.
5- 我好失望
Meaning: I am very disappointed.
Romanization: ngo5 hou2 sat1 mong6
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When you’re disappointed over a thing or a person, you can use this phrase.
Do check out our article on adjectives and learn more Cantonese words to describe how you feel!
5. The “Whats”
1- 咩話?
Meaning: What?!
Romanization: me1 waa2
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When you hear something that astonishes you unpleasantly, you can say the above phrase, which is equivalent to “What?!”
2- 咁又點呀?
Meaning: So what?
Romanization: gam2 jau6 dim2 aa3
Format: Spoken Cantonese
Example Situation: When someone narrow-minded keeps judging you, you can reply with the above phrase.
6. Bonus: How to Calm Yourself Down When You’re Angry
Of course, it’s very understandable that you’ll get cross from time to time—for example, when you’re pissed at your boyfriend or your boss—and that you’ll want to express your emotions and anger instantly. But sometimes, it might be better to calm yourself down instead of releasing all your anger onto the other person, as tension will usually only escalate when you allow your emotions to flow freely. You might end up sabotaging your relationship with the other person instead of actually solving the problem or disagreement you have with them.
So what should you do when you get angry? Consider the following:
- Take a deep breath: Why not take a deep breath before you reply to the other person or make a comment when you’re angry? Taking a deep breath can help you gain sense and give yourself time and space for a second thought—before you do or say things that you might regret.
- Take a walk or run: When you get really pissed, why not take a break and get some fresh air? After you’ve released your anger, you might be able to see things in a different light or at least communicate the issue in a more logical manner.
- Listen to music: Listening to music can help you calm down and prevent your emotions from controlling you. While allowing your emotions to flow freely might sound tempting, you could end up saying or doing things you regret.
- Write it down: Writing down the incident or thing that made you angry will help you unleash your emotions in a more harmless manner. And if you revisit your writings some time later, you might be able to see things from a different perspective.
- Reframe your thinking: While changing your point of view from glass-half-empty to glass-half-full might sound cliche, it’s very effective when it comes to calming yourself. When your boss treats you unfairly, instead of getting angry at her, thank her for giving you a lesson and remind yourself not to be like her when you’re a boss one day.
- Watch a movie: Instead of focusing on the thing or person that makes you angry, you can try distracting yourself by watching movies.
6. Conclusion: How CantoneseClass101.com Can Help You Learn More Cantonese
While it’s totally normal to get angry from time to time, don’t waste too much of your time or energy on the person or thing that vexes you—cherish your time and spend it wisely! If your goal is to better your Cantonese, we do advise you to invest your time 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!
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 what you think in the comments. What’s your favorite Cantonese angry phrase from this article? 😉 We look forward to hearing from you!