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

Table of Contents

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

1. How to Ask for the Time

1- 而家幾點呀？

Meaning: What time is it?

Romanization: ji4 gaa1 gei2 dim2 aa3

Format: Spoken Cantonese

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

2. How to Tell Time in Cantonese

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

1- Hours

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

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

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

Example Sentence: 而家十二點。

Meaning: It’s now 12 o’clock.

Romanization: ji4 gaa1 sap6 ji6 dim2

Format: Spoken Cantonese

2- Minutes

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

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

Structure

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

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

Example Sentence: 而家係七點三十七分。

Meaning: It’s now 7:37.

Romanization: ji4 gaa1 hai3 cat1 dim2 saam1 sap6 cat1 fan1

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Quarters

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

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

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

Example Sentence: 而家係十點三。

Meaning: It’s now 10:15.

Romanization: ji4 gaa1 hai6 sap6 dim2 saam1

Format: Spoken Cantonese

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

3. Words that Refer to the Time of the Day

1- 上晝

Meaning: a.m. / morning

Romanization: soeng6 zau3

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example

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

2- 下晝

Meaning: p.m. / afternoon

Romanization: haa6 zau3

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example:

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

3- 晏晝

Meaning: noon

Romanization: aan3 zau3

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example:

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

4- 早上

Meaning: morning

Romanization: zou2 soeng6

Format: Written Cantonese

Example:

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

5-  晚上

Meaning: evening

Romanization: maan5 soeng6

Format: Written Cantonese

Example:

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

6-  白天

Meaning: daytime 

Romanization: baak6 tin1

Format: Written Cantonese

Example:

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

7-  夜晚

Meaning: nighttime   

Romanization: je6 maan5

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example:

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

4. Time Adverbs

1- 同時

Meaning: meanwhile

Romanization: tung4 si4

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example:

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

2- 而家

Meaning: right now

Romanization: ji4 gaa1

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example:

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

3- 之前

Meaning: before

Romanization: zi1 cin4

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example:

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

4- 之後

Meaning: after / later

Romanization: zi1 hau6

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example:

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

5- 就嚟

Meaning: soon

Romanization: zau6 lai4

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example:

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

6- 就快

Meaning: almost

Romanization: zau6 faai3

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example:

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

7- 夠鐘

Meaning: It’s time

Romanization: gau3 zung1

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example:

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

8- 好耐

Meaning: a long time

Romanization: hou2 noi6

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example:

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

9- 一早

Meaning: earlier on

Romanization: jat1 zou2

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example:

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

10- 盡快

Meaning: as soon as possible

Romanization: zeon6 faai3

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example:

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

5. Bonus: Time Proverbs and Sayings

1- 好久不見

Meaning: Long time no see.

Romanization: hou2 gau2 bat1 gin3

Format: Written Cantonese

2- 時間就係金錢

Meaning: Time is money.

Romanization: si4 gaan3 zau6 hai6 gam1 cin4

Format: Spoken Cantonese

3- 光陰如箭

Meaning: Time flies.

Romanization: gwong1 jam1 jyu4 zin3

Format: Spoken / Written Cantonese

4- 寸金難買寸光陰

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

Romanization: cyun3 gam1 naan4 maai5 cyun3 gwong1 jam1

Format: Spoken / Written Cantonese

5- 時間可以治療一切

Meaning: Time heals all wounds. 

Romanization: si4 gaan3 ho2 ji5 zi6 liu4 jat1 cit3

Format: Spoken / Written Cantonese

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

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

1. Directions on the Map

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

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

Example Sentences

Sentence 1: 你可唔可以喺地圖上指出嚟？

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

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

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 2: 向東行 

Romanization: hoeng3 dung1 hang4

Meaning: Walk eastward.

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 3: 郵局喺呢個鎮嘅北邊 

Romanization: jau4 guk2 hai2 ni1 go3 zan3 ge3 bak1 bin1

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

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 4: 香港喺亞洲嘅東邊 

Romanization: hoeng1 gong2 hai2 ngaa3 zau1 ge3 dung1 bin1

Meaning: Hong Kong is in east Asia.

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 5: 元朗喺香港嘅西北邊

Romanization: jyun4 long5 hai2 hoeng1 gong2 ge3 sai1 bak1 bin1

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

Format: Spoken Cantonese

2. Directions on the Road

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

Example Sentences

Example 1: 應該點去呢度？

Romanization: jing1 goi1 dim2 heoi3 ni1 dou6

Meaning: How should I get there?

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example 2: 喺右邊

Romanization: hai2 jau6 bin1

Meaning: On the right side

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example 3: 郵局喺銀行嘅前面 

Romanization: jau4 guk2 hai2 ngan4 hong4 ge3 cin4 min6

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

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example 4: 皇后像廣場喺地鐵站嘅隔籬 

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

Meaning: Statue Square is next to the MTR station.

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Example 5: 警署喺學校嘅對面

Romanization: ging2 cyu5 hai2 hok6 haau6 ge3 deoi3 min6

Meaning: The police station is opposite the school.

Format: Spoken Cantonese

3. Landmarks

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

Example Sentences

Sentence 1: 應該點去車站？

Romanization: jing1 goi1 dim2 heoi3 ce1 zaam6

Meaning: How should I get to the train station?

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 2: 醫院喺花園嘅後面 

Romanization: ji1 jyun2 hai2 faa1 jyun2 ge3 hau6 min6

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

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 3: 過咗紅綠燈就會見到

Romanization: gwo3 zo2 hung4 luk6 dang1 zau6 wui5 gin3 dou2

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

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 4: 機場好遠 

Romanization: gei1 coeng4 hou2 jyun5

Meaning: The airport is far away.

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 5: 酒店喺地鐵站嘅隔籬 

Romanization: zau2 dim3 hai2 dei6 tit3 zaam6 ge3 gaak3 lei4

Meaning: The hotel is next to the MTR station.

Format: Spoken Cantonese

4. Must-know Phrases for Asking for Directions

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

1 – Where is it?

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

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

Example Sentences

Sentence 1: 會議室喺邊度？

Romanization: wui6 ji5 sat1 hai2 bin1 dou6

Meaning: Where is the meeting room?

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 2: 洗手間喺邊度？

Romanization: sai2 sau2 gaan1 hai2 bin1 dou6

Meaning: Where is the washroom?

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 3: 登記台喺邊度？

Romanization: dang1 gei3 toi4 hai2 bin1 dou6

Meaning: Where is the registration desk?

Format: Spoken Cantonese

2 – Where can I do something?

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

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

Example Sentences

Sentence 1: 請問喺邊度泊車？

Romanization: cing2 man6 hai2 bin1 dou6 paak3 ce1

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

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 2: 請問喺邊度登記？

Romanization: cing2 man6 hai2 bin1 dou6 dang1 gei3

Meaning: Excuse me, where can I register?

Format: Spoken Cantonese

5. Must-know Phrases for Giving Directions in Cantonese

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

1- Turn right / Turn left / Go straight

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

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

Example Sentences

Sentence 1: 首先直行，然後轉左。

Romanization: sau2 sin1 zik6 haang4, jin4 hau6 zyun3 zo2

Meaning: First go straight, then turn left.

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 2: 首先轉左，然後轉右。

Romanization: sau2 sin1 zyun3 zo2, jin4 hau6 zyun3 jau6

Meaning: First turn left, then turn right.

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 3: 首先轉左，然後轉右，然後直行，然後再轉左。

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

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

Format: Spoken Cantonese

2 – It’s on the x^th floor

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

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

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

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

Example Sentences

Sentence 1: 參展商嘅資料喺二樓。

Romanization: caam1 zin2 soeng1 ge3 zi1 liu2 hai2 ji6 lau2

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

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 2: 洗手間喺十九樓。

Romanization: sai2 sau2 gaan1 hai2 sap6 gau2 lau2

Meaning: The washroom is on the nineteenth floor.

Format: Spoken Cantonese

Sentence 3: 登記台喺地下。

Romanization: dang1 gei3 toi4 hai2 dei6 haa2

Meaning: The registration desk is on the ground floor.

Format: Spoken Cantonese

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Table of Contents

1. Nouns for Appliances
2. Nouns for Technology
3. Nouns for Transportation
4. Nouns for Dining
5. Nouns for School Essentials
6. Nouns for Occupation
7. Nouns for Family Members
8. Nouns for Body Parts
9. Nouns for Time
10. Nouns for Hobbies
11. 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	email

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!

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

Table of Contents

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

1. Compliments on Looks

1 – 你好靚

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

2 – 你好靚仔

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

3 – 你笑得好靚

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

4 – 呢件外套好襯你

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

5 – 件衫好襯你

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

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

2. Compliments on Work

6 – 你好叻

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

7 – 做得好

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

8 – 你嘅履歷好出色

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

9 – 你嘅表現超乎我意料之外

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

10 – 你好勁

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

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

3. Compliments on Skills

11 – 我鍾意你煮嘅嘢食

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

12 – 你好有品味

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

13 – 你好識得講嘢

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

14 – 你係一個好出色嘅廚師

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

15 – 你影相影得好靚

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

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

4. Compliments on Character / Disposition

16 – 你嘅內在美仲靚過你嘅外在美

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

17 – 你令我想成為一個更加好嘅人

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

18 – 你係一個好好嘅朋友

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

19 – 你好搞笑

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

20 – 你好好人

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

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

5. How to Make Your Compliments Sound More Sincere

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

1. Be Authentic

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

2. Be Specific

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

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

3. Be Relevant

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

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

4. Be Concise

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

6. What to Expect After Giving Compliments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

1. Angry Imperatives
2. Angry Warnings
3. Angry Blames
4. Describing How You Feel
5. The “Whats”
6. Bonus: How to Calm Yourself Down When You’re Angry
7. 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!

The Buddha’s Birthday in Hong Kong is a major holiday, and the most important day for Buddhists around the world. In this article, you’ll learn about Buddha’s Birthday traditions, the prevalence of Buddhism in Hong Kong, and pick up some new vocabulary along the way.

Let’s get started!

1. What is the Birthday of the Buddha?

This is the most important day in 佛教 (fat6 gaau3), or Buddhism, and it’s a time for people to reflect on the Buddha’s teachings, show respect to ancestors, and work on bettering themselves.

The main purpose of celebrating Buddha’s Birthday is to remind people to use the Buddha’s wisdom to wash away the pollution of the inner self and to purify the mind. In particular, Buddhism’s code of ethics guides people to 行善 (hang4 sin6), or “do good deeds,” and elevate the human spirit realm. It also acts as an important force in establishing a harmonious society.

Due to the prevalence of Buddhism in Hong Kong, the government made the Buddha’s Birthday a public holiday in 1998. This allows students and workers to fully participate in the activities and worship rituals, and promotes the further growth of Buddhism here.

→ For some words about religion, we recommend that you check out our Religion vocabulary list!

2. When is Buddha’s Birthday?

This holiday takes place on the eighth day of the fourth month of the lunar calendar, meaning that the date of Buddha’s Birthday celebration varies from year to year on the Gregorian calendar. For your convenience, here’s a list of this holiday’s date for the next ten years.

• 2020: May 7
• 2021: May 26
• 2022: May 15
• 2023: June 2
• 2024: May 22
• 2025: May 12
• 2026: May 31
• 2027: May 20
• 2028: May 9
• 2029: May 27

3. How is Buddha’s Birthday Celebrated?

On the Birthday of the Buddha, Hong Kong temples and monasteries hold special ceremonies and liturgy in honor of the Buddha. The grandest of these is the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island, which is considered a holy place for Buddhists.

Here, you’ll find the 天壇大佛 (tin1 taan4 daai6 fat6), or Tian Tan Buddha. This is one of the tallest outdoor bronze sitting Buddhas in the world, and the altar beneath showcases his 舍利子 (se3 lei6 zi2), or “relic.” There are many Chinese-style buildings in the area, making this a great place for sightseeing.

Buddha’s Birthday traditions at the Po Lin Monastery are both solemn and grand. Most notable is the public Buddha bathing ceremony, in which worshippers pour fragrant water on the Buddha statue. People also enjoy gathering to watch the Shaolin Kung Fu performances here, in addition to eating a 齋菜 (zaai1 coi3), or “vegetarian dish.”

In temples all over Hong Kong, you’ll find people burning incense in honor of their ancestors.

→ Learn about more popular Tourist Attractions in Hong Kong with our vocabulary list.
→ You can also read up on Cantonese Cuisine, so you know what to expect on your visit.

4. Why Do They Bathe the Buddha Statue?

As we mentioned, on Buddha’s Birthday, Hong Kong temples perform the Buddha bathing ceremony. There are two main reasons they do this:

1. This is done to purify the mind with the help of Buddha’s wisdom.

2. According to legend, when Buddha was born, nine dragons came from the sky and spat water to bathe him.

5. Must-Know Vocabulary for Buddha’s Birthday

Ready to review some of the vocabulary words from this article? Here’s a list of the most important words and phrases for Buddha’s Birthday in Hong Kong!

• 佛教 (fat6 gaau3) — “Buddhism” [n.]
• 釋迦牟尼 (sik1 gaa1 mau4 nei4) — “Buddha” [n.]
• 天壇大佛 (tin1 taan4 daai6 fat6) — “Tian Tan Buddha”
• 佛誕 (fat6 daan3) — “Buddha’s Birthday” [n.]
• 善信 (sin6 seon3) — “worshipper”
• 舍利子 (se3 lei6 zi2) — “relic” [n.]
• 佛堂 (fat6 tong4) — “temple” [n.]
• 慶典 (hing3 din2) — “celebration” [n.]
• 齋菜 (zaai1 coi3) — “vegetarian dish” [n.]
• 行善 (hang4 sin6) — “do good deeds” [v.]

To hear the pronunciation of each word, and to read them alongside relevant images, be sure to check out our Cantonese Buddha’s Birthday vocabulary list!

Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoyed learning about the Birthday of the Buddha with us, and that you learned something new today.

What are the most important holidays in your country? Are any of them related to Buddhism? We look forward to hearing from you in the comments!

To discover even more about Cantonese culture and the language, we recommend that you read the following pages:

• Guide to Cantonese Customs and Etiquette
• Hong Kong Body Gestures
• How to Celebrate the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival
• The Hungry Ghost Festival in Hong Kong
• 10 Netflix Hong Kong Shows Not to Miss Out On!

To continue learning about Hong Kong and the Cantonese language, create your free lifetime account on CantoneseClass101.com. With tons of fun and effective lessons for learners at every level, there’s something for everyone! Start learning with us, and attain your goals in no time.

Important life events are a great opportunity to practice Cantonese. Not only do they give you an opportunity to express your friendliness and caring to your native friends, but they can also serve as very good conversation starters.

Can’t wait to learn Happy New Year in Cantonese, and more? Keep reading for a comprehensive guide to Cantonese life events and messages!

Table of Contents

1. Birthday
2. Chinese New Year
3. New Year
4. Other Holidays
5. Graduation
6. New Job/Promotion
7. Retirement
8. Wedding
9. Injured/Sick
10. Pregnancy and Birth
11. Conclusion: How CantoneseClass101.com Can Help You Learn More Cantonese

1. Birthday

Most Hong Kongers have two birthdays: one expressed in Gregorian format, and the other one based on the lunar calendar. Nowadays, most natives only celebrate their Gregorian birthday, but the older generation may still treat their lunar birthday as the “real birthday,” and hence celebrate that one instead.

If you’re to celebrate a birthday for a local friend, you may want to learn a few birthday messages to say, on top of bringing presents and cake. Here at CantoneseClass101.com, we hope to make learning about Cantonese life event messages both fun and informative!

1- 祝你生日快樂，心想事成

Meaning: I wish you a happy birthday, and that all your wishes come true!
Romanization: zuk1 nei5 saang1 jat6 faai3 lok6, sam1 soeng2 si6 sing4
Format: Applicable to both written/formal and spoken/informal scenarios

2- 牛一快樂！

Meaning: Happy B-day!
Romanization: ngau4 jat1 faai3 lok6
Format: Applicable to spoken/informal scenarios

3- 青春常駐，年年廿八！

Meaning: Wishing you always (stay) young, like 28 years old, every year!
Romanization: cing1 ceon1 soeng4 zyu3, nin4 nin4 jaa6 baat3
Format: Applicable to spoken/informal scenarios

2. Chinese New Year

There are two new years in Hong Kong: the New Year that everyone celebrates (based on the Gregorian calendar) and the Chinese New Year (based on the lunar calendar). Chinese New Year is a very important holiday in Hong Kong, as well as the Greater China area. We usually greet relatives and friends with the below greetings for Chinese New Year. Familiarize yourself with the common expressions below in exchange for some red packets (if you’re entitled to them)!

1- 恭喜發財！

Meaning: May you have a prosperous New Year!
Romanization: gung1 hei2 faat3 coi4
Format: Applicable to both written/formal and spoken/informal scenarios

2- 年年有餘！

Meaning: Wishing you prosperity through the years!
Romanization: nin4 nin4 jau5 jyu4
Format: Applicable to both written/formal and spoken/informal scenarios

3- 身體健康！

Meaning: Wishing you good health!
Romanization: san1 tai2 gin6 hong1
Format: Applicable to both written/formal and spoken/informal scenarios

4- 萬事如意！

Meaning: Best wishes for the new year!
Romanization: maan6 si6 jyu4 ji3
Format: Applicable to both written/formal and spoken/informal scenarios

5- 大吉大利！

Meaning: May good fortune be with you!
Romanization: daai6 gat1 daai6 lei6
Format: Applicable to both written/formal and spoken/informal scenarios

6- 快高長大！

Meaning: May you grow up fast and strong!
Romanization: faai3 gou1 zoeng2 daai6
Format: Applicable to both written/formal and spoken/informal scenarios

7- 青春常駐！

Meaning: May your youth always be with you!
Romanization: cing1 ceon1 soeng4 zyu3
Format: Applicable to both written/formal and spoken/informal scenarios

8- 龍馬精神！

Meaning: May you be as energetic as dragons and horses!
Romanization: lung4 maa5 zing1 san4
Format: Applicable to both written/formal and spoken/informal scenarios

9- 學業進步！

Meaning: May you excel in your studies!
Romanization: hok6 jip6 zeon3 bou6
Format: Applicable to both written/formal and spoken/informal scenarios

10- 心想事成！

Meaning: May all your wishes come true!
Romanization: sam1 soeng2 si6 sing4
Format: Applicable to both written/formal and spoken/informal scenarios

3. New Year

We also celebrate the universal New Year in Hong Kong (and with fireworks!). See below for some Cantonese congratulations you can say to your native friends for the New Year!

1- 新年快樂，恭喜發財！今年煙花勁靚！

Meaning: May you have a happy and prosperous New Year! This year’s fireworks are breathtaking!
Romanization: san1 nin4 faai3 lok6! gung1 hei2 faat3 coi4! gam1 nin4 jin1 faa1 ging6 leng3
Format: Applicable to spoken/informal scenarios

2- 新年快樂！

Meaning: Have a happy New Year!
Romanization: san1 nin4 faai3 lok6
Format: Applicable to both written/formal and spoken/informal scenarios

3- 祝你新一年健康、快樂。

Meaning: Wishing you health and happiness in the new year.
Romanization: zuk1 nei5 san1 jat1 nin4 gin6 hong1, faai3 lok6
Format: Applicable to written/formal scenarios

4. Other Holidays

As the city where East meets West, Hong Kong has both Chinese and Western holidays. For example, we celebrate Easter, Christmas, Mid-Autumn Festival, etc. Below are some sentences for you to express your joy and holiday wishes in Cantonese to your friends!

1- 聖誕快樂！

Meaning: Merry Christmas!
Romanization: sing3 daan3 faai3 lok6
Format: Applicable to both written/formal and spoken/informal scenarios

2- 假期愉快！

Meaning: Happy holidays!
Romanization: gaa3 kei4 jyu6 faai3
Format: Applicable to written/formal scenarios

3- 享受你嘅假期！

Meaning: Enjoy the holidays!
Romanization: hoeng2 sau6 nei5 ge3 gaa3 kei4
Format: Applicable to spoken/informal scenarios

5. Graduation

Most people consider graduation to be a huge milestone—learn the phrases below to wish your friend or loved one a happy graduation!

1- 祝福你一路上擁有許多光明美好的機會，且能一一成功把握住它們！

Meaning: Wishing that brighter opportunities come your way and you achieve success in all of them!
Romanization: zuk1 fuk1 nei5 jat1 lou6 soeng6 jung2 jau5 heoi2 do1 gwong1 ming4 mei5 hou2 dik1 gei1 wui6, ce2 nang4 jat1 jat1 sing4 gung1 baa2 aak1 zyu6 taa1 mun4
Format: Applicable to written/formal scenarios

2- 展翅高飛吧！

Meaning: Spread your wings and fly!
Romanization: zin2 ci3 gou1 fei1 baa3
Format: Applicable to written/formal scenarios

3- 恭喜你畢業，亦都祝福你下一場旅程！

Meaning: Congratulations on your graduation, and best wishes for your next adventure!
Romanization: gung1 hei2 nei5 bat1 jip6, jik6 dou1 zuk1 fuk1 nei5 haa6 jat1 coeng4 leoi5 cing4
Format: Applicable to spoken/informal scenarios

6. New Job/Promotion

New jobs and promotions are worth celebrating! And in Hong Kong, if your close friends or your boss get promoted, they may treat you to lunch—so be prepared and learn some wise words of congratulations in Cantonese!

1- 恭喜恭喜，鴻圖大展，步步高升！

Meaning: Congratulations! Wish you more advancement and progress in the near future!
Romanization: gung1 hei2 gung1 hei2, hung4 tou4 daai6 zin2, bou6 bou6 gou1 sing1
Format: Applicable to both written/formal and spoken/informal scenarios

2- 祝您在新的仕途上再創輝煌！

Meaning: Hope you will make great success in your new position!
Romanization: zuk1 nei5 zoi6 san1 dik1 si6 tou4 soeng6 zoi3 cong3 fai1 wong4
Format: Applicable to written/formal scenarios

3- 升職快樂！

Meaning: Happy promotion!
Romanization: sing1 zik1 faai3 lok6
Format: Applicable to both written/formal and spoken/informal scenarios

7. Retirement

Hong Kongers typically retire between the ages of fifty-five to sixty-five. Do you know what to say when your friend or colleague retires?

1- 祝您光榮退休！

Meaning: Best wishes as you retire!
Romanization: zuk1 nei5 gwong1 wing4 teoi3 jau1
Format: Applicable to both written/formal and spoken/informal scenarios

2- 退休也許能改變您生活方式的許多方面，但無法改變您這位非凡的人物。

Meaning: Retirement may change many things in your lifestyle, but nothing can change the wonderful person you are.
Romanization: teoi3 jau1 jaa5 heoi2 nang4 goi2 bin3 nei5 saang1 wut6 fong1 sik1 dik1 heoi2 do1 fong1 min6, daan6 mou4 faat3 goi2 bin3 nei5 ze2 wai2 fei1 faan4 dik1 jan4 mat2
Format: Applicable to written/formal scenarios

3- 希望您很快找出新方式，使您每天能享受當自己老闆的愉快。

Meaning: Hope you’ll soon discover new ways to enjoy each day with all the pleasure of being your own boss.
Romanization: hei1 mong6 nei5 han2 faai3 zaau2 ceot1 san1 fong1 sik1, si5 nei5 mui5 tin1 nang4 hoeng2 sau6 dong1 zi6 gei2 lou5 baan2 dik1 jyu4 faai3
Format: Applicable to written/formal scenarios

8. Wedding

Did you know that guests attending a wedding banquet are expected to give at least HK$800 in the form of red packets at the dinner reception? Further, the newlyweds often give out sweet favors, such as chocolates, before their guests go home.

1- 祝你哋白頭到老，永結同心！

Meaning: May you enjoy every happiness and success during your long life together!
Romanization: zuk1 nei5 dei6 baak6 tau4 dou3 lou5, wing5 git3 tung4 sam1
Format: Applicable to spoken/informal scenarios

2- 恭喜晒！祝你哋幸福！

Meaning: Congratulations! I wish you happiness!
Romanization: gung1 hei2 saai3! zuk1 nei5 dei6 hang6 fuk1
Format: Applicable to spoken/informal scenarios

3- 新婚快樂，早生貴子！

Meaning: Happy marriage and may you have a lovely baby early!
Romanization: san1 fan1 faai3 lok6, zou2 saang1 gwai3 zi2
Format: Applicable to both written/formal and spoken/informal scenarios

9. Injured/Sick

Instead of saying “take care” when someone is ill, a more local way to express your concern and care is “Have you went to the doctor’s yet?” See below how to express this in Cantonese, and learn more Cantonese condolences for someone who’s not feeling well.

1- 睇咗醫生未？

Meaning: Have you went to the doctor’s yet?
Romanization: tai2 zo2 ji1 sang1 mei6
Format: Applicable to spoken/informal scenarios

2- 早日康復。

Meaning: Get well soon.
Romanization: zou2 jat6 hong1 fuk6
Format: Applicable to both written/formal and spoken/informal scenarios

3- 保重。

Meaning: Take care.
Romanization: bou2 zung6
Format: Applicable to both written/formal and spoken/informal scenarios

10. Pregnancy and Birth

How do you congratulate your friend’s newborn? Read below for some Cantonese congratulations you can use!

1- 恭喜添丁！

Meaning: Congratulations on the new baby!
Romanization: gung1 hei2 tim1 ding1
Format: Applicable to both written/formal and spoken/informal scenarios

2- 天大喜訊呀！

Meaning: That’s wonderful news.
Romanization: tin1 daai6 hei2 seon3 aa3
Format: Applicable to spoken/informal scenarios

3- 恭喜！祝你們的小寶貝帶來幸福

Meaning: Congratulations! May your baby bring you happiness.
Romanization: gung1 hei2! zuk1 nei5 mun4 dik1 siu2 bou2 bui3 daai3 loi4 hang6 fuk1
Format: Applicable to written/formal scenarios

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

We hope you still remember how to express Happy Birthday and Happy New Year in 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 Cantonese 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 which of these Cantonese life event messages you’ll be able to practice first! We look forward to hearing from you!

Weather is a crucial element in our everyday lives. Not only does it determine whether you can go for a hike or a football match over the weekend, but it also serves as a very good conversation starter. When looking for a solid way to open a conversation with a stranger in Cantonese, weather is almost fail-proof.

Can’t wait to know more about Hong Kong weather? Keep reading!

Table of Contents

1. Hong Kong Weather Overview
2. Key Words and Phrases about Weather in Cantonese
3. Common Sentences to Talk about the Weather
4. Bonus: 4 Common Hong Kong Natural Disasters
5. How CantoneseClass101.com Can Help You Learn More Cantonese

1. Hong Kong Weather Overview

Falling into the subtropical climate zone, Hong Kong has four seasons: humid spring, rainy summer, invigorating autumn, and cool winter. The average annual temperature is 23°C (73.4°F).

Looking at Hong Kong weather by month, many would agree the best months of Hong Kong weather are November and December, where the temperature is generally comfortable with ample sunshine and pleasant breezes. From May to November, Hong Kong may be subjected to tropical cyclones of various strengths, and occasional showers and thunderstorms.

1- Spring

From March to May marks the spring season in Hong Kong. You can usually expect showers, fog, and steamy humidity. The temperature in spring typically ranges from 18°C to 25°C (64.4°F to 77°F).

The weather throughout the season can be quite unpredictable—sometimes you get to enjoy a clear blue sky; other times, you may experience sudden heavy rain. Still other times, it might get too foggy, which leads to reduced visibility and temporary suspension of ferry services.

If you’re going to travel to Hong Kong for a short trip in the springtime, it’s wise to bring shorts, t-shirts, and rainwear. As it will turn a bit chilly at night, you should bring a light jacket or coat, and a sweater as well.

2- Summer

Summer (June to August) brings unbearable heat, rain, and frequent typhoons to Hong Kong. The average temperature is 28°C (82.4°F), but it can often go up to 32°C (89.6°F) or even higher during the daytime. Little breeze, burning sunshine, and extreme humidity can be a nightmare to both locals and travelers. Be sure to arrive prepared with practical phrases to talk about hot weather in Cantonese, and follow our tips below.

Hong Kong is also due for constant threat of showers, typhoons, and thunderstorms in the summer. June has the highest average rainfall, and heat usually spikes in July or August.

If you’re going to travel to Hong Kong for a short trip in the summer, it’s suggested to bring t-shirts, shorts, and dresses. Don’t forget to bring an umbrella as well, to avoid getting wet in the rain.

3- Autumn

Autumn (September to November; average temperature 24°C or 75.2°F) is probably the best time to visit Hong Kong. During this time of the year, Hong Kong is cool and dry, with ample sunshine and pleasant breezes—perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking on Lamma Island and standup paddleboarding in Sai Kung!

If you would like to visit Hong Kong in lovely autumn, it’s advised to bring t-shirts, a thin overcoat, and a sweater (particularly toward the end of autumn).

4- Winter

Winter in Hong Kong is cool, dry, and cloudy, with occasional cold fronts. The temperature typically ranges from 12°C to 20°C (53.6°F to 68°F), although in recent years, Hong Kong winter has been getting hotter. In 2018, the average temperature went up to 19.1°C (66.4°F) due to global warming and local urbanization.

Still, it’s suggested to bring sweaters, coats, and boots if you’re to visit Hong Kong in the winter months. When a cold front hits Hong Kong, the temperature can drop quickly down to below 10°C (50°F), or even near 0°C (32°F) in the suburbs.

As temperature varies widely in the winter, it’s encouraged to check the Hong Kong Observatory, the Hong Kong government’s weather forecast agency, for up-to-date Hong Kong weather forecasts and tips.

2. Key Words and Phrases about Weather in Cantonese

All of the following examples are in written Cantonese.

1- 温度

Meaning: temperature
Romanization: wan1 dou6

• Example Sentence: 温度計上的溫度是甚麼？
• Romanization: wan1 dou6 gai3 soeng6 dik1 wan1 dou6 si6 sam6 mo1
• Meaning: What is the temperature on the thermometer?

2- 颱風

Meaning: hurricane
Romanization: toi4 fung1

• Example Sentence: 颱風從海洋吹到陸地。
• Romanization: toi4 fung1 cung4 hoi2 joeng4 ceoi1 dou6 luk6 dei6
• Meaning: The hurricane is blowing in from the sea.

3- 風

Meaning: wind
Romanization: fung1

• Example Sentence: 正在刮風，我們回家吧。
• Romanization: zing3 zoi6 gwaat3 fung1, ngo5 mun4 wui4 gaa1 baa6
• Meaning: The wind is blowing; let’s head home.

4- 雨

Meaning: rain
Romanization: jyu5

• Example Sentence: 街上正在下雨。
• Romanization: gai1 soeng6 zing3 zoi6 haa6 jyu5
• Meaning: The rain is falling on the street.

5- 悶熱

Meaning: muggy
Romanization: mun6 jit6

• Example Sentence: 今天非常悶熱。
• Romanization: gam1 tin1 fei1 soeng4 mun6 jit6
• Meaning: Today is very muggy.

6- 濕度

Meaning: humidity
Romanization: sap1 dou6

• Example Sentence: 低濕度令空氣感覺乾燥。
• Romanization: dai1 sap1 dou6 ling6 hung1 hei3 gam2 gok3 gon1 cou3
• Meaning: With low humidity, the air feels dry.

7- 潮濕

Meaning: humid
Romanization: ciu4 sap1

• Example Sentence: 八月很潮濕。
• Romanization: baat3 jyut6 han2 ciu4 sap1
• Meaning: It’s humid in August.

8- 結冰

Meaning: ice over
Romanization: git3 bing1

• Example Sentence: 橋比旁邊的馬路更快結冰。
• Romanization: kiu4 bei2 pong4 bin1 dik1 maa5 lou6 gang3 faai3 git3 bing1
• Meaning: Bridges will ice over before the rest of the roadway.

9- 攝氏

Meaning: Celsius
Romanization: sip3 si6

• Example Sentence: 今天氣溫是攝氏三十度。
• Romanization: gam1 tin1 hei3 wan1 si6 sip3 si6 saam1 sap6 dou6
• Meaning: Today’s temperature is 30 degrees Celsius.

10- 雪

Meaning: snow
Romanization: syut3

• Example Sentence: 下雪的森林。
• Romanization: haa6 syut3 dik1 sam1 lam4
• Meaning: The snow is falling in the woods.

11- 彩虹

Meaning: rainbow
Romanization: coi2 hung4

• Example Sentence: 我看見秀麗的彩虹。
• Romanization: ngo5 hon3 gin3 sau3 lai6 dik1 coi2 hung4
• Meaning: I saw a scenic rainbow.

12- 放晴

Meaning: clear up
Romanization: fong3 cing4

• Example Sentence: 我在等天氣放晴。
• Romanization: ngo5 zoi6 dang2 tin1 hei3 fong3 cing4
• Meaning: I am waiting for the sky to clear up.

13- 結冰

Meaning: freeze
Romanization: git3 bing1

• Example Sentence: 水在玻璃上結冰。
• Romanization: seoi2 zoi6 bo1 lei1 soeng6 git3 bing1
• Meaning: The water froze on the glass.

3. Common Sentences to Talk about the Weather

To inquire about the weather:

Chinese Character: 天氣點呀?
Meaning: How’s the weather?
Romanization: tin1 hei3 dim5 aa1
Breakdown: 天氣 means “weather,” 點 means “how,” and 呀 is the question mark particle.

To answer the question:

1- 我覺得好熱

Meaning: I feel very hot.
Romanization: ngo5 gok3 dak1 hou2 jit6
Breakdown: 我 means “I,” 覺得 means “feel,” 好 means “very,” and 熱 means “hot.”

2- 我覺得好凍

Meaning: I feel very cold.
Romanization: ngo5 gok3 dak1 hou2 dung3
Breakdown: 凍 means “cold.”

3- 我覺得今日好潮濕

Meaning: I feel very humid today.
Romanization: ngo5 gok3 dak1 gam1 jat6 hou2 ciu4 sap1
Breakdown: 今日 means “today” and 潮濕 means “humid.”

4- 可能會落雨

Meaning: Perhaps it’ll rain.
Romanization: ho2 nang4 wui5 lok6 jyu5
Breakdown: 可能 means “perhaps,” 會 means “will,” and 落雨 means “rain.”

5- 今日太曬喇

Meaning: It is too sunny today.
Romanization: gam1 jat6 taai3 saai3 laa3
Breakdown: 太 means “too,” 曬 means “sunny,” and 喇 is the particle.

To inquire about the temperature:

Chinese Character: 今日幾多度呀?
Meaning: How’s the temperature today?
Romanization: gam1 jat6 gei2 do1 dou6 aa3
Breakdown: 幾多 means “how many,” 度 means “temperature,” and 呀 is the question mark particle.

To answer the question:

Chinese Character: 今日三十二度
Meaning: It’s 32 degrees Celsius today.
Romanization: gam1 jat6 saam1 sap6 ji6 dou6
Breakdown: 三十二 means “thirty-two” and 度 means “degrees Celsius.”

4. Bonus: 4 Common Hong Kong Natural Disasters

Typhoon — Hong Kong is frequently hit by typhoons in summer, causing varying degrees of damage and, on rare occasions, injuries and deaths. The typhoon warning system using the designations T1, T3, T8, and T10, indicates the degree of storm intensity.

Landslide — The Hong Kong Observatory and the Geotechnical Engineering Office issue a landslide warning whenever there’s a high risk of landslides due to heavy rainfall.

Flood — Hong Kong sees very heavy rainstorms and has one of the highest average rainfall amounts of all the cities in the Pacific Rim. During particularly heavy storms, floods often occur in rural low-lying areas and natural flood plains.

Wildfire — On average, Hong Kong experiences over 10,000 wildfires each year, which injure or take the lives of more than 600 people. Most wildfires are the result of carelessness or negligence.

Learn more about Hong Kong natural disasters here.

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

We hope you’re now much more familiar with Hong Kong weather! Are seasons and weather talk similar in your own country, or very different? Let us know in the comments!

Fancy visiting Hong Kong in the refreshing autumn and want to put some basic Cantonese in your pocket? 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!

Adjectives are a very important part of our everyday language. Without them, you wouldn’t be able to describe how pretty the girl sitting next to you is or how spectacular the scenery is.

The more Cantonese adjectives you know, the easier for you to master the Cantonese language. Can’t wait to learn more about Cantonese adjectives? Keep reading and let CantoneseClass101 give you a hand!

Note that we will provide both written and spoken example sentences throughout the article for you. This will help you learn Cantonese adjectives in both forms. We’ve used symbols to help you identify which ones are written (w), spoken (s), or applicable to both (ws).

Now, let’s have some fun with Cantonese adjectives!

Table of Contents

1. How to Use an Adjective
2. Adjectives for Dimensions, Sizes, Distance, Number, Frequency, etc.
3. Adjectives Describing Value, Conditions, etc.
4. Adjectives Describing Personalities and Feelings
5. Adjectives Describing Colors, Weather, Taste, Appearance, etc.
6. Conclusion: How CantoneseClass101.com Can Help You Learn More Cantonese

1. How to Use an Adjective

There are three typical ways to use an Cantonese language adjectives in a sentence or phrase.

1- Adjective + 嘅 + Noun

We usually add 嘅 (ge3) between an adjective and a noun. For example, a “huge portion” in Cantonese is 大嘅份量 (daai6 ge3 fan6 loeng6), where 大 means “huge” and 份量 means “portion.”

Other examples include:

• (s) 開心嘅爸爸 (hoi1 sam1 ge3 baa4 baa1)
  Meaning: “a happy dad”
• (s) 高嘅小朋友 (gou1 ge3 siu2 pang4 jau5)
  Meaning: “a tall kid”

2- Adjective + Noun

In some instances, we can use an adjective and noun together without adding 嘅 (ge3). This implies we should treat the adjective and the noun as a unit.

Examples:

• (ws) 大國 (daai6 gwok3)
  Meaning: “a great country”
• (ws) 窮人 (kung4 jan4)
  Meaning: “poor people” / “the poor”
• (ws) 高山 (gou1 saan1)
  Meaning: “tall mountain”

3- Noun + Be Verb + Adjective + 嘅

We can also put the noun at the front when we use an adjective in Cantonese. Look at the examples below:

• Chinese Character: (s) 屋係白色嘅
  Romanization: uk1zi2 hai6 baak6 sik1 ge3
  Meaning: The house is white.
  Breakdown: 屋 is “house”; 係 is “is”; 白色 is “white”
• Chinese Character: (s) 新書係貴嘅
  Romanization: san1 syu1 hai6 gwai3 ge3
  Meaning: The new book is expensive.
  Breakdown: 新 is “new”; 書 is “book”; 係 is “is”; 貴 is “expensive”

2. Adjectives for Dimensions, Sizes, Distance, Number, Frequency, etc.

#	Chinese Characters	Romanization	Meaning	Example
1	高	gou1	Tall	(ws) 高山 (gou1 saan1) Meaning: tall mountain
2	短	dyun2	Short	(ws) 短褲 (dyun2 fu3) Meaning: short pants
3	大	daai6	Big / Huge	(ws) 大事 (daai6 si6) Meaning: a huge incident
4	闊	fut3	Wide	(ws) 闊腳褲 (fut3 goek3 fu3) Meaning: wide leg pants
5	長	coeng4	Long	(ws) 長褲 (coeng4 fu3) Meaning: trousers
6	厚	hau5	Thick	(ws) 厚多士 (hau5 do1 si2) Meaning: thick toast
7	細	sai3	Small / Little	(s) 細佬 (sai3 lou2) Meaning: little brother
8	瘦	sau3	Thin	(s) 佢好瘦 (keoi5 hou2 sau3) Meaning: He/she is thin.
9	深	sam1	Deep	(ws) 深山 (sam1 saan1) Meaning: deep in the mountains
10	窄	zaak3	Narrow	(ws) 窄腳褲 (zaak3 goek3 fu3) Meaning: narrow pants
11	圓	jyun4	Circular / Round	(s) 月亮係圓嘅 (jyut6 loeng6 hai6 jyun4 ge3) Meaning: The moon is round.
12	直	zik6	Straight	(ws) 直線 (zik6 sin3) Meaning: straight line
13	少	siu2	Little / Few	(w) 數量很少 (sou3 loeng6 han2 siu2) Meaning: The amount is few.
14	多	do1	Many / Large	(ws) 多數 (do1 sou3) Meaning: large amount
15	全部	cyun4 bou6	All	(ws) 全部人 (cyun4 bou6 jan4) Meaning: all people
16	一些	jat1 se1	Some	(w) 一些人 (jat1 se1 jan4) Meaning: some people

3. Adjectives Describing Value, Conditions, etc.

#	Chinese Characters	Romanization	Meaning	Example
1	錯	co3	Wrong	(s) 錯嘅時間 (co3 ge3 si4 gaan3) Meaning: wrong time
2	正確	zing3 kok3	Right / Correct	(ws) 正確地址 (zing3 kok3 dei6 zi2) Meaning: correct address
3	好	hou2	Good	(ws) 好人 (hou2 jan4) Meaning: a good person
4	差	caa1	Bad / Poor	(ws) 成績差 (sing4 zik1 caa1) Meaning: poor grade
5	難	naan4	Difficult	(s) 法文好難 (faat3 man2 hou2 naan4) Meaning: French is difficult.
6	易	ji6	Easy	(s) 跟我學廣東話好易 (gan1 ngo5 hok6 gwong2 dung1 waa2 hou2 ji6) Meaning: Learning Cantonese with me is very easy.
7	新	san1	New	(ws) 新年快樂 (san1 nin4 faai3 lok6) Meaning: Happy new year.
8	舊	gau6	Old	(s) 我間屋好舊 (ngo5 gaan1 uk1 hou2 gau6) Meaning: My house is really old.
9	平	peng4	Cheap	(s) 好平呀 (hou2 peng4 aa3) Meaning: really cheap
10	貴	gwai3	Expensive	(s) 香港啲樓好貴 (hoeng1 gong2 di1 lau2 hou2 gwai3) Meaning: Apartments in Hong Kong are very expensive.
11	年青	nin4 cing1	Young	(ws) 年青人 (nin4 cing1 jan4) Meaning: the youth
12	老	lou5	Old	(ws) 老人 (lou5 jan4) Meaning: the elderly
13	快	faai3	Fast	(s) 我跑得好快 (ngo5 paau2 dak1 hou2 faai3) Meaning: I run really fast.
14	慢	maan6	Slow	(s) 我鍾意慢活嘅概念 (ngo5 zung1 ji3 maan6 wut6 ge3 koi3 nim6) Meaning: I like the concept of slow-living.
15	有用	jau5 jung6	Useful	(s) 學外語好有用 (hok6 ngoi6 jyu5 hou2 jau5 jung6) Meaning: Learning a new language is very useful.
16	冇用	mou5 jung6	Useless	(s) 一定唔可以做個冇用嘅人 (jat1 ding6 m4 ho2 ji3 zou6 go3 mou5 jung6 ge3 jan4) Meaning: We must not become a useless person.
17	壞	waai6	Bad	(ws) 壞習慣 (waai6 zaap6 gwaan3) Meaning: bad habits
18	乾淨	gon1 zeng6	Clean	(s) 乾淨嘅環境 (gon1 zeng6 ge3 waan4 ging2) Meaning: clean environment
19	污糟	wu1 zou1	Dirty	(s) 污糟嘅環境 (wu1 zou1 ge3 waan4 ging2) Meaning: dirty environment
20	嘈	cou4	Noisy	(s) 佢好嘈 (keoi5 hou2 cou4) Meaning: He/she is very noisy.
21	靜	zing6	Quiet	(s) 佢好靜 (keoi5 hou2 zing6) Meaning: He/she is very quiet.
22	弱	joek6	Weak	(s) 佢好弱 (keoi5 hou2 joek6) Meaning: He/She is very weak.
23	強壯	koeng4 zong3	Strong (physically)	(s) 強壯嘅BB (koeng4 zong3 ge3 BB) Meaning: strong baby
24	空	hung1	Empty	(s) 個樽係空嘅 (go3 zeon1 hai6 hung1 ge3) Meaning: The bottle is empty.

4. Adjectives Describing Personalities and Feelings

#	Chinese Characters	Romanization	Meaning	Example
1	不安	bat1 on1	Anxious	(w) 明天考試結果就出來了，我真的很不安 (ming4 tin1 haau2 si3 gik3 gwo2 zau6 ceot1 loi4 liu5 , ngo5 zan1 dik1 han2 bat1 on1) Meaning: The exam results are coming out tomorrow, and I’m really anxious about it.
2	勤奮	kan4 fan5	Diligent	(w) 勤奮的小孩 (kan4 fan5 dik1 siu2 haai4) Meaning: a diligent kid
3	幽默	jau1 mak6	Humorous	(w) 幽默的故事 (jau1 mak6 dik1 gu3 si6) Meaning: humorous story
4	禮貌	lai5 maau6	Polite	(w) 第一次見面時，與對方握手是禮貌的動作 (dai6 jat1 ci3 gin3 min6 si4, jyu5 deoi3 fong1 ak1 sau2 si6 lai5 maau6 dik1 dung6 zok3) Meaning: It is polite to shake hands when meeting someone for the first time.
5	活躍	wut6 joek3	Active	(w) 活躍的孩子 (wut6 joek3 dik1 haai4 zi2) Meaning: active child
6	誠實	sing4 sat6	Honest	(w) 他是個誠實的人 (taa1 si6 go3 sing4 sat6 dik1 jan4) Meaning: He is an honest person.
7	有趣	jau5 ceoi3	Funny	(w) 他不穿褲子跳舞，真有趣 (taa1 bat1 cyun1 fu3 zi2 tiu3 mou5, zan1 jau5 ceoi3) Meaning: The funny man is dancing without pants.
8	冷靜	laang5 zing6	Calm	(w) 那個女人很冷靜 (naa5 go3 neoi5 jan2 han2 laang5 zing6) Meaning: The woman is calm.
9	悶	mun6	Boring	(w) 他很悶 (taa1 han2 mun6) Meaning: He is boring.
10	正經	zing3 ging1	Serious	(ws) 正經的人 (zing3 ging1 dik1 jan4) Meaning: a serious person
11	害羞	hoi6 sau1	Shy	(w) 害羞的小孩 (hoi6 sau1 dik1 siu2 haai4) Meaning: a shy child
12	善良	sin6 loeng4	Kind	(w) 善良的人 (sin6 loeng4 dik1 jan4) Meaning: a kind person
13	有活力	jau5 wut6 lik6	Energetic	(w) 有活力的講者 (jau5 wut6 lik6 dik1 gong2 ze2) Meaning: an energetic speaker
14	型	jing4	Cool	(s) 我收藏型嘅T恤 (ngo5 sau1 cong4 jing4 ge3 T seot1) Meaning: I collect cool T-shirts.
15	親切	can1 cit3	Friendly	(w) 親切的叔叔 (can1 cit3 dik1 suk1 suk1) Meaning: a friendly uncle
16	聰明	cung1 ming4	Smart	(w) 聰明的孩子 (cung1 ming4 dik1 haai4 zi2) Meaning: a smart child
17	浪漫	long6 maan6	Romantic	(w) 他很浪漫 (taa1 han2 long6 maan6) Meaning: He is romantic.
18	勇敢	jung5 gam2	Brave	(w) 我是一個勇敢的人 (ngo5 si6 jat1 go3 jung5 gam2 dik1 jan4) Meaning: I am brave.
19	內向	noi6 hoeng3	Introverted	(w) 她很內向，不擅與人交際 (taa1 han2 noi6 hoeng3, bat1 sin6 jyu5 jan4 gaau1 zai3) Meaning: She is introverted and does not know how to socialize.
20	可靠	ho2 kaau3	Reliable	(w) 爸爸很可靠 (baa4 baa1 han2 ho2 kaau3) Meaning: Dad is very reliable.
21	外向	ngoi6 hoeng3	Extroverted	(w) 媽媽很外向 (maa4 maa1 han2 ngoi6 hoeng3) Meaning: Mom is very extroverted.
22	有想像力	jau5 soeng2 zoeng6 lik6	Imaginative	(w) 弟弟有想像力 (dai4 dai2 jau5 soeng2 zoeng6 lik6) Meaning: (My) little brother is imaginative.
23	有耐性	jau5 noi6 sing3	Patient	(w) 姐姐有耐性 (ze4 ze1 jau5 noi6 sing3) Meaning: (My) elder sister is patient.
24	有同情心	jau5 tung4 cing4 sam1	Compassionate	(w) 妹妹有同情心 (mui4 mui2 jau5 tung4 cing4 sam1) Meaning: (My) little sister is compassionate.
25	驕傲	giu1 ou6	Proud	(w) 哥哥很驕傲 (go4 go1 han2 giu1 ou6) Meaning: (My) elder brother is very proud.
26	攰	gui6	Tired	(s) 我錄咗成段片，好攰呀 (ngo5 luk6 zo2 seng4 dyun6 pin2, hou2 gui6 aa3) Meaning: I’m tired after recording this video.
27	肚餓	tou5 ngo6	Hungry	(s) 好肚餓呀 (hou2 tou5 ngo6 aa3) Meaning: I’m so hungry.
28	飽	baau2	Full	(s) 好飽呀 (hou2 baau2 aa3) Meaning: I’m so full.
29	開心	hoi1 sam1	Happy	(s) 我好開心呀 (ngo5 hou2 hoi1 sam1 aa3) Meaning: I’m so happy.
30	傷心	soeng1 sam1	Sad	(s) 我好傷心呀 (ngo5 hou2 soeng1 sam1 aa3) Meaning: I’m so sad.

5. Adjectives Describing Colors, Weather, Taste, Appearance, etc.

#	Chinese Characters	Romanization	Meaning	Example
1	黑色	hak1 sik1	Black	(w) 黑色的手機 (hak1 sik1 dik1 sau2 gei1) Meaning: black cellphone
2	藍色	laam4 sik1	Blue	(w) 藍色的手機 (laam4 sik1 dik1 sau2 gei1) Meaning: blue cellphone
3	灰色	fui1 sik1	Gray	(w) 灰色的手機 (fui1 sik1 dik1 sau2 gei1) Meaning: gray cellphone
4	綠色	luk6 sik1	Green	(w) 綠色的手機 (luk6 sik1 dik1 sau2 gei1) Meaning: green cellphone
5	橙色	caang2 sik1	Orange	(w) 橙色的手機 (caang2 sik1 dik1 sau2 gei1) Meaning: orange cellphone
6	紫色	zi2 sik1	Purple	(w) 紫色的手機 (zi2 sik1 dik1 sau2 gei1) Meaning: purple cellphone
7	紅色	hung4 sik1	Red	(w) 紅色的手機 (hung4 sik1 dik1 sau2 gei1) Meaning: red cellphone
8	青色	ceng1 sik1	Cyan-blue	(w) 青色的手機 (ceng1 sik1 dik1 sau2 gei1) Meaning: cyan-blue cellphone
9	米色	mai5 sik1	Beige	(w) 米色的手機 (mai5 sik1 dik1 sau2 gei1) Meaning: beige cellphone
10	粉紅色	fan2 hung4 sik1	Pink	(w) 粉紅色的手機 (fan2 hung4 sik1 dik1 sau2 gei1) Meaning: pink cellphone
11	白色	baak6 sik1	White	(w) 白色的手機 (baak6 sik1 dik1 sau2 gei1) Meaning: white cellphone
12	黃色	wong4 sik1	Yellow	(w) 黃色的手機 (wong4 sik1 dik1 sau2 gei1) Meaning: yellow cellphone
13	啡色	fei1 sik1	Brown	(w) 啡色的手機 (fei1 sik1 dik1 sau2 gei1) Meaning: brown cellphone
14	冷	laang5	Cold	(w) 今天很冷 (gam1 tin1 han2 laang5) Meaning: It’s cold today.
15	熱	jit6	Hot	(w) 今天很熱 (gam1 tin1 han2 jit6) Meaning: It’s hot today.
16	溫暖	wan1 nyun5	Warm	(w) 今天很溫暖 (gam1 tin1 han2 wan1 nyun5) Meaning: It’s warm today.
17	潮濕	ciu4 sap1	Humid	(w) 今天很潮濕 (gam1 tin1 han2 ciu4 sap1) Meaning: It’s humid today.
18	曬	saai3	Sunny	(w) 今天很曬 (gam1 tin1 han2 saai3) Meaning: It’s sunny today.
19	有風	jau5 fung1	Windy	(w) 今天有風 (gam1 tin1 jau5 fung1) Meaning: It’s windy today.
20	天晴	tin1 ceng4	Sunny	(w) 今天天晴 (gam1 tin1 tin1 ceng4) Meaning: It’s sunny today.
21	密雲	mat6 wan4	Cloudy	(w) 今天密雲 (gam1 tin1 mat6 wan4) Meaning: It’s cloudy today.
22	苦	fu2	Bitter	(w) 這道菜很苦 (ze2 dou6 coi3 han2 fu2) Meaning: This dish is bitter.
23	新鮮	san1 sin1	Fresh	(w) 這道菜很新鮮 (ze2 dou6 coi3 han2 san1 sin1) Meaning: This dish is fresh.
24	咸	haam4	Salty	(w) 這道菜很咸 (ze2 dou6 coi3 han2 haam4) Meaning: This dish is salty.
25	酸	syun1	Sour	(w) 這道菜很酸 (ze2 dou6 coi3 han2 syun1) Meaning: This dish is sour.
26	辣	laat6	Spicy	(w) 這道菜很辣 (ze2 dou6 coi3 han2 laat6) Meaning: This dish is spicy.
27	甜	tim4	Sweet	(w) 這道菜很甜 (ze2 dou6 coi3 han2 tim4) Meaning: This dish is sweet.
28	得意	dak1 ji3	Cute	(s) 好得意呀 (hou2 dak1 ji3 aa3) Meaning: It’s so cute.
29	核突	wat6 dat6	Ugly	(s) 佢好核突 (keoi5 hou2 wat6 dat6) Meaning: He is so ugly.
30	靚	leng3	Beautiful	(s) 林嘉欣好靚 (lam4 gaa1 jan1 hou2 leng3) Meaning: Karena Lam is very beautiful.

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

Did you learn any new Cantonese adjectives? Is there anything you’re still fuzzy on? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll do our best to help! To practice, why not write us a paragraph about yourself in the comments using some of these adjectives? We look forward to hearing what you have to say. 🙂

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!

Learning Cantonese is a headache to many—after all, with nine tones and 20k+ characters, Cantonese is one of the most difficult languages to master! But, with the right tools, you can certainly learn Cantonese a lot quicker and more effectively—in this case, those tools would be a great Cantonese course and the best Netflix Hong Kong shows.

Watching shows and movies in Cantonese on Netflix is a great way to sharpen language skills. Without even noticing, you’ll end up understanding the spoken language a lot better, and improve your pronunciation simply because you’ve gained familiarity with Cantonese as a whole.

Do you want to learn Cantonese on Netflix, while also learning more about the Hong Kong culture? Here are ten Netflix Hong Kong shows for you to work through in your spare time!

Table of Contents

1. S Storm
2. Vulgaria
3. Initial D
4. Cold War
5. Royal Tramp
6. The Midnight After
7. A Complicated Story
8. Justice, My Foot!
9. Sixty Million Dollar Man
10. OCTB
11. Bonus: More Cantonese TV Shows and Movies!
12. How CantoneseClass101.com Can Help You Learn More Cantonese

1. S Storm

• Cantonese Title: S風暴
• Romanization: S fung1 bou6
• Director: David Lam
• Stars: Louis Koo; Julian Cheung; Vic Chou

S Storm is a 2016 crime action movie, and the second film in the Storm film series, following 2014’s Z Storm.

Currently one of the best Cantonese Netflix films, S Storm depicts a classic run-in between the Independent Commission Against Corruption (a.k.a. ICAC) and the Hong Kong Police Force, which was triggered by the murder of the trader by a lone assassin. William Luk from ICAC refuses to disclose any information regarding the murder case to Julian Cheung, the chief investigator of the case from the Hong Kong police, even though he witnessed the incident.

The story continues to unfold as the police uncover that the murder case was actually tied to illegal bookmaking on football betting, and an international crime syndicate…

1- Related Words & Phrases in the Show:

• Character: 廉政公署
  Romanization: lim4 zing3 gung1 cyu5
  Meaning: Independent Commission Against Corruption
• Character: 貪污
  Romanization: taam1 wu1
  Meaning: Corruption
• Character: 兇殺案
  Romanization: hung1 saat3 ngon3
  Meaning: Murder case
• Character: 犯罪
  Romanization: faan6 zeoi6
  Meaning: Commiting a crime
• Character: 調查
  Romanization: diu6 caa4
  Meaning: Investigation

2. Vulgaria

• Cantonese Title: 低俗喜劇
• Romanization: dai1 zuk6 hei2 kek6
• Director: Ho-Cheung Pang
• Stars: Chapman To; Kristal Tin; Ronald Cheng

Looking for Cantonese films on Netflix to make you laugh? Vulgaria is a 2012 comedy that tells the story of how a divorced movie producer strives to fulfill his daughter’s dream of seeing him being interviewed by a major HK TV broadcaster, despite the fact that he’s poor and struggling to make alimony payments to his ex-wife…

1- Related Words & Phrases in the Show:

• Character: 喜劇
  Romanization: hei2 kek6
  Meaning: Comedy
• Character: 女兒
  Romanization: neoi5 ji4
  Meaning: Daughter
• Character: 監製
  Romanization: gaam1 zai3
  Meaning: Movie producer
• Character: 婚姻
  Romanization: fan1 jan1
  Meaning: Marriage
• Character: 電影
  Romanization: din6 jing2
  Meaning: Movie

3. Initial D

• Cantonese Title: 頭文字D
• Romanization: tau4 man4 zi6 D
• Director: Andrew Lau; Alan Mak
• Stars: Shawn Yue; Edison Chen; Jay Chou

Initial D, released in 2005, is an action film adapted from the Japanese Initial D manga series. The movie is about Takumi Fujiwara, a high school student, who has decided to focus on drift racing after winning his first competition. This is a sport he unknowingly perfects while delivering tofu with his father’s Toyota AE86…

1- Related Words & Phrases in the Show:

• Character: 父親
  Romanization: fu6 can1
  Meaning: Father
• Character: 豆腐
  Romanization: dau6 fu6
  Meaning: Tofu
• Character: 漂移
  Romanization: piu1 ji4
  Meaning: Drifting
• Character: 汽車
  Romanization: hei3 ce1
  Meaning: Car
• Character: 擊敗
  Romanization: gik1 baai6
  Meaning: Defeat

4. Cold War

• Cantonese Title: 寒戰
• Romanization: hon4 zin3
• Director: Longman Leung; Sunny Luk
• Stars: Aaron Kwok; Tony Ka Fai Leung; Charlie Yeung

Cold War—the opening film at the 17th Busan International Film Festival—is a 2012 Hong Kong police thriller film. Its name derives from the code name used in the police operation, and the film has a sequel called Cold War 2.

During the investigation of a missing Hong Kong Police Force van, they find that the terrorists possess detailed knowledge of the police’s procedures and can always plan several steps ahead. In the absence of the Chief Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner M.B. Lee leads an operation code-named “Cold War,” and declares a state of emergency…

1- Related Words & Phrases in the Show:

• Character: 警隊
  Romanization: ging2 deoi2
  Meaning: Police force
• Character: 副處長
  Romanization: fu3 cyu3 zoeng2
  Meaning: Deputy Commissioner
• Character: 行動
  Romanization: hang4 dung6
  Meaning: Operation
• Character: 贖金
  Romanization: suk6 gam1
  Meaning: Ransom
• Character: 代號
  Romanization: doi6 hou6
  Meaning: Code name

5. Royal Tramp

• Cantonese Title: 鹿鼎記
• Romanization: luk6 ding2 gei3
• Director: Jing Wong
• Stars: Stephen Chow; Man Cheung; Chingmy Yau

Royal Tramp is a 1992 comedy based on Louis Cha‘s novel The Deer and the Cauldron, and it stars the famous Stephen Chow, who played the protagonist Wai Siu-bo.

The story revolves around Wai Siu-bo, resourceful and cunning, who was made a member of the Heaven and Earth Society after rescuing its leader. Yet he performs poorly in his first assignment, and is subsequently made a servant to the very person the Heaven and Earth Society aim to overthrow…

1- Related Words & Phrases in the Show:

• Character: 機智
  Romanization: gei1 zi3
  Meaning: Smart
• Character: 決鬥
  Romanization: kyut3 dau3
  Meaning: Battle
• Character: 皇帝
  Romanization: wong4 dai3
  Meaning: Emperor
• Character: 皇宮
  Romanization: wong4 gung1
  Meaning: Royal Palace

6. The Midnight After

• Cantonese Title: 那夜凌晨，我坐上了旺角開往大埔的紅VAN
• Romanization: naa5 je6 ling4 san4, ngo5 co5 soeng5 liu5 wong6 gok3 hoi1 wong5 daai6 bou3 dik1 hung4 VAN
• Director: Fruit Chan
• Stars: Suet Lam; Lam Wong; Cheuk-Ling Tin

The Midnight After is a 2014 satirical horror comedy film based on the web-novel Lost on a Red Mini Bus to Taipo. The movie begins with seventeen people taking a Hong Kong minibus to Tai Po. After the minibus enters a tunnel, a passenger notices that the traffic has disappeared and the city is quieter than usual….

1- Related Words & Phrases in the Show:

• Character: 凌晨
  Romanization: ling4 san4
  Meaning: Midnight
• Character: 小巴
  Romanization: siu2 baa1
  Meaning: Minibus
• Character: 隧道
  Romanization: seoi6 dou6
  Meaning: Tunnel
• Character: 消失
  Romanization: siu1 sat1
  Meaning: Disappear
• Character: 神秘
  Romanization: san4 bei3
  Meaning: Mysterious

7. A Complicated Story

• Cantonese Title: 一個複雜故事
• Romanization: jat1 go3 fuk1 zaap6 gu3 si6
• Director: Kiwi Chow
• Stars: Jacky Cheung; Zhi-Ying Zhu; Stephanie Che

A Complicated Story is a 2013 film based on the novel with the same title. It’s about Liu Yazi, a student from Mainland China in a Hong Kong University, who has decided to become a surrogate mother to pay for her brother’s medical expenses. However, she’s asked to terminate the contract during her pregnancy… One of the best Cantonese dramas on Netflix for language learners.

1- Related Words & Phrases in the Show:

• Character: 複雜
  Romanization: fuk1 zaap6
  Meaning: Complicated
• Character: 代孕
  Romanization: doi6 jan6
  Meaning: Surrogacy
• Character: 合約
  Romanization: hap6 joek3
  Meaning: Contract
• Character: 秘密
  Romanization: bei3 mat6
  Meaning: Secret
• Character: 學生
  Romanization: hok6 saang1
  Meaning: Student

8. Justice, My Foot!

• Cantonese Title: 審死官
• Romanization: sam2 sei2 gun1
• Director: Johnnie To
• Stars: Stephen Chow; Anita Mui; Man-Tat Ng

Justice, My Foot! is a 1992 film about a lawyer called Sung. Sung is intelligent and excellent in speech. By leveraging his talents and skills, he quickly becomes the best lawyer in the region. And he’ll do whatever it takes to win the case—even neglecting right and wrong. But, because of this, none of his newborns survive more than a year…

1- Related Words & Phrases in the Show:

• Character: 言語
  Romanization: jin4 jyu5
  Meaning: Speech
• Character: 狀師
  Romanization: zong6 si1
  Meaning: Lawyer (ancient Chinese)
• Character: 正義
  Romanization: zing3 ji6
  Meaning: Justice
• Character: 賄賂
  Romanization: kui2 lou6
  Meaning: Bribery
• Character: 勸告
  Romanization: hyun3 gou3
  Meaning: Persuasion

9. Sixty Million Dollar Man

• Cantonese Title: 百變星君
• Romanization: baak3 bin3 sing1 gwan1
• Director: Jing Wong; Wai Man Yip
• Stars: Stephen Chow; Gigi Leung; Man-Tat Ng

Sixty Million Dollar Man is a 1995 comedy, and one of the great Cantonese movies on Netflix of this genre. It revolves around a rich kid studying in Hawaii. Arrogant and powerful, he enjoys fooling people around him. Things change, however, when he meets a beautiful young lady…

1- Related Words & Phrases in the Show:

• Character: 作弄
  Romanization: zok3 nung6
  Meaning: Trick
• Character: 夏威夷
  Romanization: haa6 wai1 ji4
  Meaning: Hawaii
• Character: 富有
  Romanization: fu3 jau5
  Meaning: Rich
• Character: 迷戀
  Romanization: mai4 lyun2
  Meaning: Obsess
• Character: 同學
  Romanization: tung4 hok6
  Meaning: Classmate

10. OCTB

• Cantonese Title: 反黑
• Romanization: faan2 hak1
• Director: Jones Soong Pounh Chong
• Stars: Jordan Chan; Danny Chan; Ken Wong

OCTB, which stands for Organized Crime and Triad Bureau, is a 2017 drama series that takes you back to the 1980s and shows you what would happen when an undercover detective crosses paths with familiar faces in the mafia underworld…

1- Related Words & Phrases in the Show:

• Character: 黑社會
  Romanization: haak1 se5 wui2
  Meaning: Underworld
• Character: 臥底
  Romanization: ngo6 dai2
  Meaning: Undercover
• Character: 酒吧
  Romanization: zau2 baa1
  Meaning: Bar
• Character: 手槍
  Romanization: sau2 coeng1
  Meaning: Handgun
• Character: 警署
  Romanization: ging2 cyu5
  Meaning: Police station

11. Bonus: More Cantonese TV Shows and Movies!

Craving more Cantonese TV shows and movies after watching the ones above? Check out our recommendations on Hong Kong TV shows and movies!

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

We hope that you enjoy these shows improve your Cantonese along the way! Which of these Cantonese shows on Netflix do you want to watch first and why? Do you have any favorite Hong Kong media to share? Let us know in the comments!

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!