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Excerpt

  • Morning Gym Chat

    TEXT

    A: 聽朝去唔去做運動？
    ting1 ziu1 heoi3 m4 heoi3 zou6 wan6 dung6?

    B: 去呀，九點公園見。
    heoi3 aa3, gau2 dim2 gung1 jyun2 gin3.

    A: 跑完步去飲咖啡。
    paau2 jyun4 bou6 heoi3 jam2 gaa3 fe1.

    B: 好，到時見。
    hou2, dou3 si4 gin3.

    TRANSLATION

    A: Exercise tomorrow morning?

    B: Yes, see you at the park at nine.

    A: After the run we’ll go for coffee.

    B: Okay, see you then.

    BREAKDOWN

    A: 聽朝去唔去做運動？
    聽朝 (ting1 ziu1): tomorrow morning; 去 (heoi3): go; 唔去 (m4 heoi3): not go; 做運動 (zou6 wan6 dung6): do exercise / work out

    B: 去呀，九點公園見。
    去 (heoi3): go; 呀 (aa3): particle; 九點 (gau2 dim2): nine o’clock; 公園 (gung1 jyun2): park; 見 (gin3): meet / see

    A: 跑完步去飲咖啡。
    跑完步 (paau2 jyun4 bou6): after finishing the run; 去 (heoi3): go; 飲 (jam2): drink; 咖啡 (gaa3 fe1): coffee

    B: 好，到時見。
    好 (hou2): good / okay; 到時見 (dou3 si4 gin3): see you then

    NOTES

    ■ Telling time in Cantonese often uses the pattern 「幾點」(gei2 dim2, “what time”) and numbers plus 「點」(dim2, “o’clock”), e.g. 九點 (gau2 dim2, “nine o’clock”), which appears in this dialogue.

  • Study Group Chat

    TEXT

    A: 聽日一齊溫書好嗎？
    ting1 jat6 jat1 cai4 wan1 syu1 hou2 maa3?

    B: 得呀，圖書館見。
    dak1 aa3, tou4 syu1 gun2 gin3.

    A: 幾點開始？
    gei2 dim2 hoi1 ci2?

    B: 七點鐘，到時見。
    cat1 dim2 zung1, dou3 si4 gin3.

    TRANSLATION

    A: Want to study together tomorrow?

    B: Sure, see you at the library.

    A: What time start?

    B: Seven o’clock, see you then.

    BREAKDOWN

    A: 聽日一齊溫書好嗎？
    聽日 (ting1 jat6): tomorrow; 一齊 (jat1 cai4): together; 溫書 (wan1 syu1): study/revise; 好 (hou2): good; 嗎 (maa3): question particle

    B: 得呀，圖書館見。
    得呀 (dak1 aa3): sure/okay; 圖書館 (tou4 syu1 gun2): library; 見 (gin3): meet/see

    A: 幾點開始？
    幾點 (gei2 dim2): what time; 開始 (hoi1 ci2): start

    B: 七點鐘，到時見。
    七點鐘 (cat1 dim2 zung1): seven o’clock; 到時見 (dou3 si4 gin3): see you then

    NOTES

    ■ 溫書 (wan1 syu1) is a very common Hong Kong student expression meaning to study or to revise/review before exams. History​

  • Birthday Dinner Invite

    TEXT

    A: 生日飯去唔去？
    sang1 jat6 faan6 heoi3 m4 heoi3?

    B: 去呀，喺邊度食？
    heoi3 aa3, hai2 bin1 dou6 sik6?

    A: 尖沙咀海鮮酒家，七點。
    zim1 saa1 zeoi6 hoi2 sin1 zau2 gaa1, cat1 dim2.

    B: 好，到時見。
    hou2, dou3 si4 gin3.

    TRANSLATION

    A: Birthday dinner going?

    B: Yes, where eating?

    A: Tsim Sha Tsui seafood restaurant, 7pm.

    B: Good, see you then.

    BREAKDOWN

    A: 生日飯去唔去？
    生日飯 (sang1 jat6 faan6): birthday dinner; 去 (heoi3): go; 唔去 (m4 heoi3): not go

    B: 去呀，喺邊度食？
    去 (heoi3): go; 呀 (aa3): particle; 喺 (hai2): at; 邊度 (bin1 dou6): where; 食 (sik6): eat

    A: 尖沙咀海鮮酒家，七點。
    尖沙咀 (zim1 saa1 zeoi6): Tsim Sha Tsui; 海鮮 (hoi2 sin1): seafood; 酒家 (zau2 gaa1): restaurant; 七點 (cat1 dim2): 7pm

    B: 好，到時見。
    好 (hou2): good; 到時見 (dou3 si4 gin3): see you then

    NOTES

    ■ 生日飯 usually refers to a casual birthday dinner with a group of friends in Hong Kong.

    ■ Hong Kong seafood restaurants famous for live tanks with fresh crabs, prawns for celebrations – Guide to Eating Seafood in Hong Kong.​

  • Expensive Battery

    TEXT

    A: 啱啱喺街買咗四粒AAA電池，要六十蚊。
    ngaam1 ngaam1 hai2 gaai1 maai5 zo2 sei3 nap1 AAA din6 ci4, jiu3 luk6 sap6 man1.

    B: 嘩，咁貴？網上平好多喎。
    waa3, gam3 gwai3? mong5 soeng6 peng4 hou2 do1 wo3.

    A: 係呀，畀完錢即刻後悔。
    hai6 aa3, bei2 jyun4 cin2 zik1 hak1 hau6 fui3.

    B: 下次買之前上網check吓價先啦。
    haa6 ci3 maai5 zi1 cin4 soeng5 mong5 check haa5 gaa3 sin1 laa1.

    TRANSLATION

    A: I just bought four AAA batteries on the street, cost sixty dollars.

    B: Wow, so expensive, much cheaper online.

    A: Yeah, as soon as I paid I regretted it.

    B: Next time check the price online before you buy.

    BREAKDOWN

    A: 啱啱喺街買咗四粒AAA電池，要六十蚊。
    啱啱 (ngaam1 ngaam1): just now; 喺街 (hai2 gaai1): on the street; 買咗 (maai5 zo2): bought; 四粒 (sei3 nap1): four (pieces); AAA電池 (AAA din6 ci4): AAA batteries; 要 (jiu3): cost; 六十蚊 (luk6 sap6 man1): sixty dollars.

    B: 嘩，咁貴？網上平好多喎。
    嘩 (waa3): wow; 咁貴 (gam3 gwai3): so expensive; 網上 (mong5 soeng6): online / on the internet; 平好多 (peng4 hou2 do1): much cheaper; 喎 (wo3): sentence particle (surprise / soft emphasis).

    A: 係呀，畀完錢即刻後悔。
    係呀 (hai6 aa3): yeah; 畀完錢 (bei2 jyun4 cin2): after paying; 即刻 (zik1 hak1): immediately; 後悔 (hau6 fui3): regret.

    B: 下次買之前上網check吓價先啦。
    下次 (haa6 ci3): next time; 買之前 (maai5 zi1 cin4): before buying; 上網 (soeng5 mong5): go online; check吓價 (check haa5 gaa3): quickly check the price; 先啦 (sin1 laa1): first (soft suggestion).

    NOTES

    ■ To ask the price in Cantonese you usually say 幾多錢呀？(gei2 do1 cin2 aa3?) or 幾錢呀？(gei2 cin2 aa3?), both meaning “how much does this cost?”.

    ■ Cantonese often uses sentence particles like “喎” (wo3) and “啦” (laa1) to soften questions/sentences.

  • Late Bus

    TEXT

    A: 部巴士又遲到。
    bou6 baa1 si2 jau6 ci4 dou3.

    B: 係囉，我等咗成十分鐘。
    hai6 lo1, ngo5 dang2 zo2 seng4 sap6 fan1 zung1.

    A: 聽日早啲出門口。
    ting1 jat6 zou2 di1 ceot1 mun4 hau2.

    B: 係啊，遲到唔係幾好。
    hai6 aa3, ci4 dou3 m4 hai6 gei2 hou2.

    TRANSLATION

    A: The bus is late again.

    B: Yeah, I’ve been waiting a full ten minutes.

    A: Tomorrow let’s leave the house earlier.

    B: Yeah, being late is not very good.

    BREAKDOWN

    A: 部巴士又遲到。
    部巴士 (bou6 baa1 si2): the bus; 又 (jau6): again; 遲到 (ci4 dou3): be late / arrive late.

    B: 係囉，我等咗成十分鐘。
    係囉 (hai6 lo1): yeah / exactly; 我 (ngo5): I; 等咗 (dang2 zo2): have waited; 成 (seng4): whole / entire; 十分鐘 (sap6 fan1 zung1): ten minutes.

    A: 聽日早啲出門口。
    聽日 (ting1 jat6): tomorrow; 早啲 (zou2 di1): earlier; 出門口 (ceot1 mun4 hau2): go out the door / leave the house.

    B: 係啊，遲到唔係幾好。
    係啊 (hai6 aa3): yeah; 遲到 (ci4 dou3): be late; 唔係幾好 (m4 hai6 gei2 hou2): not very good.

    NOTES

    ■ Hong Kong public transport (buses, MTR, trams) is usually very frequent and punctual, so when there are delays, locals often complain that being late is “唔係幾好” (not very good) in everyday chats.​

    ■ 部 acts as the measure word/classifier for “bus”

  • Ordering Milk Tea

    TEXT

    A:我想要一杯奶茶，幾錢啊？
    ngo5 soeng2 jiu3 jat1 bui1 naai5 caa4, gei2 cin2 aa3?

    B:二十蚊一杯。
    ji6 sap6 man1 jat1 bui1.

    A: 可以幫我加少啲糖嘛？
    ho2 ji5 bong1 ngo5 gaa1 siu2 di1 tong4 maa3?

    TRANSLATION

    A: I want a cup of milk tea, how much is it?

    B: 20 dollars a cup.

    A; Can you add a little less sugar for me?

    BREAKDOWN

    A: 我想要一杯奶茶，幾錢啊？
    我 (ngo5): I;想要 (soeng2 jiu3): want / would like;一杯 (jat1 bui1): one cup;奶茶 (naai5 caa4): milk tea;幾錢 (gei2 cin2): how much (spoken);啊 (aa3): particle softening the question tone

    B: 二十蚊一杯。
    二十 (ji6 sap6): twenty;蚊 (man1): dollar;一杯 (jat1 bui1): one cup

    A: 可以幫我加少啲糖嘛？可以 (ho2 ji5): can / may;幫我 (bong1 ngo5): help me;加 (gaa1): add;少啲 (siu2 di1): a little less;糖 (tong4): sugar;嘛 (maa3): question particle

    NOTES

    ■ Cantonese often uses sentence particles like “啊” (aa3) and “嘛” (maa3) to soften questions

    ■ Asking for less sugar “少糖” (siu2 tong4) for (bubble) milk tea is quite common in Hong Kong

  • Office Tea Break

    TEXT

    A: 朝早飲咩茶？
    ziu1 zou2 jam2 me1 caa4?

    B: 飲鴛鴦最正！
    jam2 jyun1 joeng1 zeoi3 zeng3!

    A: 好，我都要！
    hou2, ngo5 dou1 jiu3!

    TRANSLATION

    A: Morning tea what?

    B: Yuen yeung is the best!

    A: Good, I want too!

    BREAKDOWN

    A: 朝早飲咩茶？
    朝早 (ziu1 zou2): morning; 飲 (jam2): drink; 咩 (me1): what; 茶 (caa4): tea

    B: 飲鴛鴦最正！
    飲 (jam2): drink; 鴛鴦 (jyun1 joeng1): yuen yeung; 最正 (zeoi3 zeng3): most perfect

    A: 好，我都要！
    好 (hou2): good; 我 (ngo5): I; 都 (dou1): also; 要 (jiu3): want

    NOTES

    ■ 鴛鴦 (jyun1 joeng1): HK cha chaan teng mix of 3 parts coffee + 7 parts milk tea – South China Morning Post (SCMP) on yuen yeung.

    ■ 茶餐廳 (caa4 caan1 teng1): Cha chaan teng is Hong Kong traditional tea cafes.

  • Movie Night Plans

    TEXT

    A: 周六去睇戲好唔好？
    zau1 luk6 heoi3 tai2 hei3 hou2 m4 hou2?

    B: 好呀，邊間戲院？
    hou2 aa3, bin1 gaan1 hei3 jyun2?

    A: 旺角百老匯，七點鐘。
    wong6 gok3 baak3 lou5 wui6, cat1 dim2 zung1.

    B: 得，門口見。
    dak1, mun4 hau2 gin3.

    TRANSLATION

    A: Saturday go watch movie okay?

    B: Good, which cinema?

    A: Mong Kok Broadway, seven o’clock.

    B: Sure, meet at entrance.

    BREAKDOWN

    A: 周六去睇戲好唔好？
    周六 (zau1 luk6): Saturday; 去 (heoi3): go; 睇戲 (tai2 hei3): watch movie; 好 (hou2): good; 唔好 (m4 hou2): not good

    B: 好呀，邊間戲院？
    好 (hou2): good; 呀 (aa3): particle; 邊間 (bin1 gaan1): which one; 戲院 (hei3 jyun2): cinema

    A: 旺角百老匯，七點鐘。
    旺角 (wong6 gok3): Mong Kok; 百老匯 (baak3 lou5 wui6): Broadway; 七點鐘 (cat1 dim2 zung1): seven o’clock

    B: 得，門口見。
    得 (dak1): sure; 門口 (mun4 hau2): entrance; 見 (gin3): meet

    NOTES

    ■ Classic Cantonese films like Infernal Affairs showcase local culture and slang​

  • Weather Small Talk

    TEXT

    A: 今日好熱呀。
    gau3 jat6 hou2 jit6 aa3.

    B: 係呀，三十度！
    hai6 aa3, saam1 sap6 dou6!

    A: 夜晚會唔會落雨？
    je6 maan5 wui5 m4 wui5 lok6 jyu5?

    B: 可能會，帶遮啦。
    ho2 nang4 wui5, daai3 ze1 laa1.

    TRANSLATION

    A: Today so hot.

    B: Yes, thirty degrees!

    A: Will rain tonight?

    B: Maybe, bring umbrella.

    BREAKDOWN

    A: 今日好熱呀。
    今日 (gau3 jat6): today; 好熱 (hou2 jit6): very hot; 呀 (aa3): particle

    B: 係呀，三十度！
    係呀 (hai6 aa3): yes; 三十度 (saam1 sap6 dou6): 30 degrees

    A: 夜晚會唔會落雨？
    夜晚 (je6 maan5): tonight; 會唔會 (wui5 m4 wui5): will or not; 落雨 (lok6 jyu5): rain

    B: 可能會，帶遮啦。
    可能 (ho2 nang4): maybe; 會 (wui5): will; 帶遮 (daai3 ze1): bring umbrella; 啦 (laa1): particle

    NOTES

    ■ Cantonese often uses sentence particles like “呀” (aa3) and “啦” (laa1) to soften questions/sentences.

  • Friend Weekend Plans

    TEXT

    A: 周末做咩呀？
    zau1 mun5 zou6 me1 aa3?

    B: 去行山，睇日落。
    heoi3 haang4 saan1, tai2 jat6 lok6.

    A: 聽落唔錯喎，幾時出發？
    ting1 lok6 m4 co3 wo3, gei2 si4 ceot1 faat3?

    B: 朝早九點，嚟唔嚟？
    ziu1 zou2 gau2 dim2, lei4 m4 lei4?

    TRANSLATION

    A: Weekend what plans?

    B: Go hiking, watch sunset.

    A: Sounds good, what time leave?

    B: Morning 9am, coming?

    BREAKDOWN

    A: 周末做咩呀？
    周末 (zau1 mun5): weekend; 做咩 (zou6 me1): do what; 呀 (aa3): particle

    B: 去行山，睇日落。
    去行山 (heoi3 haang4 saan1): go hiking; 睇日落 (tai2 jat6 lok6): watch sunset

    A: 聽落唔錯喎，幾時出發？
    聽落唔錯喎 (ting1 lok6 m4 co3 wo3): sounds good; 幾時 (gei2 si4): what time; 出發 (ceot1 faat3): depart

    B: 朝早九點，嚟唔嚟？
    朝早 (ziu1 zou2): early morning; 九點 (gau2 dim2): 9 o’clock; 嚟唔嚟 (lei4 m4 lei4): come or not

    NOTES

    ■ Hong Kong offers hiking for all levels and for various views from cityscapes, coastal scenery, to cultural sites – Hong Kong Hiking Trails

    ■ Cantonese often uses sentence particles like “呀” (aa3) and “喎” (wo3) to soften questions/sentences.

  • Office Overtime Chat

    TEXT

    A: 今日要加班呀？
    gam1 jat6 jiu3 gaa1 baan1 aa3?

    B: 係呀，啲文件未做完。
    hai6 aa3, di1 man4 gin2 mei6 zou6 jyun4.

    A: 辛苦晒，記得食晚飯。
    san1 fu2 saai3, gei3 dak1 sik6 maan5 faan6.

    B: 多謝，你早啲唞吓。
    do1 ze6, nei5 zou2 di1 tau2 haa5.

    TRANSLATION

    A: Have to work overtime today?

    B: Yes, the documents aren’t finished yet.

    A: Thanks for your hard work, remember to eat dinner.

    B: Thanks, you go get some rest early.

    BREAKDOWN

    A: 今日要加班呀？
    今日 (gam1 jat6): today; 要 (jiu3): need to / have to; 加班 (gaa1 baan1): work overtime; 呀 (aa3): sentence particle.

    B: 係呀，啲文件未做完。
    係呀 (hai6 aa3): yes; 啲 (di1): (some / these) classifier; 文件 (man4 gin2): documents; 未 (mei6): not yet; 做完 (zou6 jyun4): finished.

    A: 辛苦晒，記得食晚飯。
    辛苦晒 (san1 fu2 saai3): thanks for your hard work; 記得 (gei3 dak1): remember; 食 (sik6): eat; 晚飯 (maan5 faan6): dinner.

    B: 多謝，你早啲唞吓。
    多謝 (do1 ze6): thanks; 你 (nei5): you; 早啲 (zou2 di1): earlier; 唞吓 (tau2 haa5): take a rest / get some rest.

    NOTES

    ■ 辛苦晒 (san1 fu2 saai3) is a common Cantonese phrase to acknowledge someone’s hard work and show appreciation in everyday and office conversations.

  • Dai Pai Dong Curry Fish Balls

    TEXT

    A:呢份咖喱魚蛋正唔正？
    ni1 fan6 gaa3 lei1 jyu4 daan2 zeng3 m4 zeng3?

    B:正到爆！彈牙！
    zeng3 dou3 baau3! daan6 ngaa4!

    A:老闆，再嚟一份！
    lou5 baan2, zoi3 lai4 jat1 fan6!

    TRANSLATION

    A:Is this curry fish ball good?

    B:Amazing! Springy!

    A:Boss, another one!

    BREAKDOWN

    A: 呢份咖喱魚蛋正唔正？
    呢份 (ni1 fan6): this one; 咖喱 (gaa3 lei1): curry; 魚蛋 (jyu4 daan2): fish ball; 正唔正 (zeng3 m4 zeng3): great or not

    B: 正到爆！彈牙！
    正到爆 (zeng3 dou3 baau3): amazingly delicious (lit. “great to explosion”); 彈牙 (daan6 ngaa4): springy texture

    A: 老闆，再嚟一份！
    老闆 (lou5 baan2): boss; 再 (zoi3): again; 嚟 (lai4): come; 一份 (jat1 fan6): one portion

    NOTES

    ■ 大牌檔 Dai Pai Dong stalls are iconic Hong Kong street food vendors

    ■ 咖喱魚蛋 are iconic Hong Kong street food

  • Office Aircon Too Cold

    TEXT

    A:好凍啊！冷氣開太低！
    hou2 dung3 aa3! laang5 hei3 hoi1 taai3 dai1!

    B:話畀IT知？
    waa6 bei2 IT zi1?

    A:自己調高啦！
    zi6 gei2 tiu4 gou1 laa1!

    TRANSLATION

    A:So cold! AC too low!

    B:Tell IT (technology department)?

    A:Adjust it myself!

    BREAKDOWN

    A: 好凍啊！冷氣開太低！
    好 (hou2): very; 凍 (dung3): cold; 啊 (aa3): particle; 冷氣 (laang5 hei3): air conditioning; 開 (hoi1): turn on; 太 (taai3): too; 低 (dai1): low

    B: 話畀IT知？
    話畀 (waa6 bei2): tell; IT: Information Technology department; 知 (zi1): know

    A: 自己調高啦！
    自己 (zi6 gei2): myself; 調高 (tiu4 gou1): turn up; 啦 (laa1): particle

    NOTES

    ■ “好+adjective” pattern for intensification

    ■ Hong Kong offices/malls keep AC extremely cold as a status symbol of luxury – so cold people need “indoor jackets”

  • Cafe Order

    TEXT

    A: 一杯凍檸茶同奶茶。
    jat1 bui1 dung3 ning2 caa4 tung4 naai5 caa4.

    B: 好。
    hou2.

    A: 總共幾多錢？
    zung2 gung6 gei2 do1 cin2?

    B: 總共三十蚊。
    zung2 gung6 saam1 sap6 man1.

    TRANSLATION

    A: One iced lemon tea and milk tea.

    B: Okay.

    A: Total how much?

    B: Total thirty bucks.

    BREAKDOWN

    A: 一杯凍檸茶同奶茶。
    一杯 (jat1 bui1): one cup; 凍檸茶 (dung3 ning2 caa4): iced lemon tea; 同 (tung4): and; 奶茶 (naai5 caa4): milk tea.

    B: 好。
    好 (hou2): good/okay

    A: 總共幾多錢？
    總共 (zung2 gung6): total; 幾多錢 (gei2 do1 cin2): how much money

    B: 總共三十蚊。
    總共 (zung2 gung6): total; 三十蚊 (saam1 sap6 man1): thirty HKD

    NOTES

    ■ 凍檸茶 Iced lemon tea classic HK cafe drink, sweet refreshing choice

    ■ Here’s how to express numbers in Cantonese

  • Street Market Bargain

    TEXT

    A: 呢個幾錢？
    ni1 go3 gei2 cin2?

    B: 五十蚊。
    ng5 sap6 man1.

    A: 太貴，四十蚊得唔得？
    taai3 gwai3, sei3 sap6 man1 dak1 m4 dak1?

    B: 好，四十蚊賣畀你。
    hou2, sei3 sap6 man1 maai6 bei2 nei5.

    TRANSLATION

    A: How much this?

    B: Fifty bucks.

    A: Too expensive, forty okay?

    B: Good, forty sold to you.

    BREAKDOWN

    A: 呢個幾錢？
    呢個 (ni1 go3): this one; 幾錢 (gei2 cin2): how much

    B: 五十蚊。
    五十蚊 (ng5 sap6 man1): fifty HKD

    A: 太貴，四十蚊得唔得？
    太貴 (taai3 gwai3): too expensive; 四十蚊 (sei3 sap6 man1): forty bucks; 得唔得 (dak1 m4 dak1): okay?

    B: 好，四十蚊賣畀你。
    好 (hou2): good; 賣畀你 (maai6 bei2 nei5): sell to you

    NOTES

    ■ Here’s how to express numbers in Cantonese

  • Dim Sum Lunch

    TEXT

    A: 食點心叫咩？
    sik6 dim2 sam1 giu3 me1?

    B: 燒賣叉燒包最抵！
    siu1 maai2 caa1 siu1 baau1 zeoi3 dai2!

    A: 好，每樣一份！
    hou2, mui5 joeng6 jat1 fan6!

    TRANSLATION

    A: Dim sum order what?

    B: Siu mai char siu bao best value!

    A: Good, one each!

    BREAKDOWN

    A: 食點心叫咩？
    食 (sik6): eat; 點心 (dim2 sam1): dim sum; 叫咩 (giu3 me1): order what

    B: 燒賣叉燒包最抵！
    燒賣 (siu1 maai2): siu mai; 叉燒包 (caa1 siu1 baau1): char siu bao; 最抵 (zeoi3 dai2): best value

    A: 好，每樣一份！
    好 (hou2): good; 每樣 (mui5 joeng6): each kind; 一份 (jat1 fan6): one portion

    NOTES

    ■ HK dim sum classics like 燒賣 siu mai & 叉燒包 char siu bao – read more in Cantonese food guide.

  • Ferry to Central

    TEXT

    A: 點返中環搭的士定渡輪呀？
    dim2 faan1 zung1 waan4 daap3 dik6 si2 ding6 dou6 leon4 aa3？

    B: 搭渡輪啦，風好大，風景又靚！
    daap3 dou6 leon4 laa1, fung1 hou2 daai6, fung1 ging2 jau6 leng3！

    A: 好刺激，我都搭渡輪！
    hou2 ci3 gik1, ngo5 dou1 daap3 dou6 leon4！

    TRANSLATION

    A: Back to Central, taxi or ferry?

    B: Ferry! Big wind, scenery so pretty!

    A: So exciting, I’ll take ferry too!

    BREAKDOWN

    A: 點返中環搭的士定渡輪呀？
    點 (dim2): how; 返 (faan1): back; 中環 (zung1 waan4): Central; 搭 (daap3): take; 的士 (dik6 si2): taxi; 定 (ding6): or; 渡輪 (dou6 leon4): ferry; 呀 (aa3): particle

    B: 搭渡輪啦，風好大，風景又靚！
    搭 (daap3): take; 渡輪 (dou6 leon4): ferry; 啦 (laa1): particle; 風 (fung1): wind; 好大 (hou2 daai6): very big; 風景 (fung1 ging2): scenery; 又靚 (jau6 leng3): and pretty

    A: 好刺激，我都搭渡輪！
    好刺激 (hou2 ci3 gik1): so exciting; 我 (ngo5): I; 都 (dou1): also; 搭 (daap3): take; 渡輪 (dou6 leon4): ferry

    NOTES

    ■ 渡輪 iconic Star Ferry connects Hong Kong Island and Central since 1888 – HK-Kowloon route.

  • Asking for Directions

    TEXT

    A:唔好意思，點去中環啊？
    m4 hou2 ji3 si3, dim2 heoi3 zung1 waan4 aa3?

    B:坐港鐵中環站出嚟。
    co5 gong2 tit3 zung1 waan4 zaam6 ceot1 lai4.

    A:要幾耐啊？
    jiu3 gei2 noi6 aa3?

    TRANSLATION

    A: Excuse me, how do I get to Central?

    B: Take the MTR and get off at Central Station.

    A: How long does it take?

    BREAKDOWN

    A: 唔好意思，點去中環啊？
    唔好意思 (m4 hou2 ji3 si3): excuse me;點 (dim2): how;去 (heoi3): go to;中環 (zung1 waan4): Central;啊 (aa3): question particle

    B: 坐港鐵中環站出嚟。
    坐 (co5): take;港鐵 (gong2 tit3): MTR;中環站 (zung1 waan4 zaam6): Central Station;出嚟 (ceot1 lai4): exit

    A: 要幾耐啊？
    要 (jiu3): need;幾耐 (gei2 noi6): how long;啊 (aa3): question particle

    NOTES

    ■ 中環 is the central business district of Hong Kong.

  • Asking About Friend’s Work

    TEXT

    A:你而家返緊咩工啊？
    nei5 ji4 gaa1 faan1 gan2 me1 gung1 aa3?

    B:喺間旅行社做緊文書。
    hai2 gaan1 leoi5 hang4 se5 zou6 gan2 man4 syu1.

    A:唔錯喎，幾錢一個月啊？
    m4 co3 wo3, gei2 cin2 jat1 go3 jyut6 aa3?

    TRANSLATION

    A: What job are you working now?

    B: Doing paperwork at a travel agency.

    A: Not bad. How much per month?

    BREAKDOWN

    A: 你而家返緊咩工啊？
    你 (nei5): you;而家 (ji4 gaa1): now;返緊 (faan1 gan2): working;咩 (me1): what;工 (gung1): job;啊 (aa3): softening particle

    B: 喺間旅行社做緊文書。
    喺 (hai2): at;間 (gaan1): classifier for companies;旅行社 (leoi5 hang4 se5): travel agency;做緊 (zou6 gan2): doing;文書 (man4 syu1): paperwork/admin

    A: 唔錯喎，幾錢一個月啊？
    唔錯 (m4 co3): not bad;喎 (wo3): surprise particle;幾錢 (gei2 cin2): how much;一個月 (jat1 go3 jyut6): per month;啊 (aa3): question particle

    NOTES

    ■ The “緊” in “返緊” / “做緊” shows continuous aspect (like “-ing”) – here’s a link explaining Cantonese tenses and grammar.

    ■ Cantonese often uses sentence particles like “啊” (aa3) and “喎” (wo3) to soften questions/sentences.

  • Night Market Bargain Shirt

    TEXT

    A:件衫幾多錢？
    gin6 saam1 gei2 do1 cin2?

    B:150蚊。
    jat1 baak3 ng5 sap6 man1.

    A:太貴啦！100蚊得唔得？
    taa3 gwai3 laa3! jat1 baak3 man1 dak1 m4 dak1?

    B:120，最平啦！
    jat1 baak3 ji6 sap6, zeoi3 peng4 laa3!

    TRANSLATION

    A:How much for this shirt?

    B:$150.

    A:Too expensive! Can you do $100?

    B:$120, cheapest!

    BREAKDOWN

    A: 件衫幾多錢？
    件 (gin6): classifier for clothing; 衫 (saam1): shirt; 幾多 (gei2 do1): how much; 錢 (cin2): money

    B: 150蚊。
    蚊 (man1): dollar

    A: 太貴啦！100蚊得唔得？
    太 (taai3): too; 貴 (gwai3): expensive; 啦 (laa3): particle; 得唔得 (dak1 m4 dak1): can or not

    B: 120，最平啦！
    最平 (zeoi3 peng4): cheapest; 啦 (laa3): particle

    NOTES

    ■ 件 is the measure word/classifier for clothing items

    ■ Here’s how to express numbers in Cantonese

  • Booking a Movie Ticket

    TEXT

    A:我想買戲飛。
    ngo5 soeng2 maai5 hei3 fei1.

    B:要睇邊套戲？
    jiu3 tai2 bin1 tou3 hei3?

    A:睇新出嘅科幻片。
    tai2 san1 ceot1 ge3 fo1 waan6 pin2.

    TRANSLATION

    A: I want to buy movie tickets.

    B: Which movie do you want to watch?

    A: The new sci-fi film that just came out.

    BREAKDOWN

    A: 我想買戲飛。
    我 (ngo5): I;想 (soeng2): want;買 (maai5): buy;戲飛 (hei3 fei1): movie ticket

    B: 要睇邊套戲？
    要 (jiu3): need/want;睇 (tai2): watch;邊套 (bin1 tou3): which one (套 = classifier for movies);戲 (hei3): movie/play

    A: 睇新出嘅科幻片。
    睇 (tai2): watch;新出 (san1 ceot1): newly released;嘅 (ge3): possessive particle;科幻片 (fo1 waan6 pin2): sci-fi film

    NOTES

    ■ “套” is the classifier/measure word for movies/plays

  • Planning New Year Trip

    TEXT

    A:新年想去邊度玩啊？
    san1 nin4 soeng2 heoi3 bin1 dou6 waan2 aa3?

    B:我想去日本睇櫻花。
    ngo5 soeng2 heoi3 jat6 bun2 tai2 jing1 faa1.

    A:咁要早啲book酒店。
    gam2 jiu3 zou2 di1 book zau2 dim3.

    TRANSLATION

    A: Where do you want to go for New Year?

    B: I want to go to Japan to see cherry blossoms.

    A: Then you need to book the hotel early.

    BREAKDOWN

    A: 新年想去邊度玩啊？
    新年 (san1 nin4): New Year;想 (soeng2): want;去 (heoi3): go;邊度 (bin1 dou6): where;玩 (waan2): play/have fun;啊 (aa3): question particle

    B: 我想去日本睇櫻花。
    我 (ngo5): I;想 (soeng2): want;去 (heoi3): go;日本 (jat6 bun2): Japan;睇 (tai2): see;櫻花 (jing1 faa1): cherry blossoms

    A: 咁要早啲book酒店。
    咁 (gam2): then;要 (jiu3): need;早啲 (zou2 di1): earlier;book (book): book;酒店 (zau2 dim3): hotel

    NOTES

    ■ “Book” is borrowed English word commonly used in Cantonese for “to book/reserve” – code-switching is common in Cantonese

    ■ Cantonese often uses sentence particles like “啊” (aa3) to soften questions.

  • Peak Tram Adventure

    TEXT

    下晝搭山頂纜車，上山好刺激！
    haa6 zau3 daap3 saan1 deng2 laam6 ce1, soeng5 saan1 hou2 ci3 gik1!

    山頂風好大，風景好靚！
    saan1 deng2 fung1 hou2 daai6, fung1 ging2 hou2 leng3!

    買杯咖啡慢慢飲，好chill！
    maai5 bui1 gaa3 fe1 maan6 maan2 jam2, hou2 chill!

    TRANSLATION

    Afternoon Peak Tram up mountain, exciting!

    Peak windy, scenery beautiful!

    Buy coffee slowly sip, relaxing!

    BREAKDOWN

    下晝搭山頂纜車，上山好刺激！
    下晝 (haa6 zau3): afternoon; 搭 (daap3): take; 山頂纜車 (saan1 deng2 laam6 ce1): Peak Tram; 上山 (soeng5 saan1): up mountain; 好刺激 (hou2 ci3 gik1): exciting

    山頂風好大，風景好靚！
    山頂 (saan1 deng2): Peak; 風好大 (fung1 hou2 daai6): very windy; 風景 (fung1 ging2): scenery; 好靚 (hou2 leng3): very beautiful

    買杯咖啡慢慢飲，好chill！
    買杯 (maai5 bui1): buy cup; 咖啡 (gaa3 fe1): coffee; 慢慢飲 (maan6 maan2 jam2): slowly sip; 好chill (hou2 chill): very relaxing

    NOTES

    ■ 山頂纜車 Peak Tram Asia’s first funicular since 1888, thrilling ride to skyline views

    ■ 山頂 Peak iconic skyline of Victoria Harbour at twilight, chill coffee spots – Discover Hong Kong The Peak

    ■ Telling Time in Cantonese for schedule and words like 下晝

  • Wet Market Shopping

    TEXT

    去街市買餸。
    heoi3 gaai1 si5 maai5 sou3.

    檔主幫我揀咗啲新鮮嘅菜。
    dong3 zyu2 bong1 ngo5 gaan2 zo2 di1 san1 sin1 ge3 coi3.

    價錢好平，好着數。
    gaa3 cin4 hou2 peng4, hou2 zok1 sou3.

    TRANSLATION

    Went to the wet market to buy groceries.

    The vendor helped me pick fresh vegetables.

    The prices were cheap – it’s good deal.

    BREAKDOWN

    去街市買餸。
    去 (heoi3): go;街市 (gaai1 si5): wet market;買 (maai5): buy;餸 (sou3): groceries/dishes

    檔主幫我揀咗啲新鮮嘅菜。
    檔主 (dong3 zyu2): vendor;幫 (bong1): help;我 (ngo5): me;揀 (gaan2): pick/select;咗 (zo2): completed;啲 (di1): some;新鮮 (san1 sin1): fresh;嘅 (ge3): possessive;菜 (coi3): vegetables

    價錢好平，好着數。
    價錢 (gaa3 cin4): price;好平 (hou2 peng4): very cheap;好 (hou2): very;着數 (zok1 sou3): good deal.

    NOTES

    ■ “餸” specifically means prepared dishes/groceries (different from “食物” which is food)

    ■ “咗” shows past aspect (like “-ed”) – here’s a link explaining Cantonese tenses and grammar.

  • MTR Rush Hour

    TEXT

    朝早喺尖沙咀搭地鐵，好多人！
    ziu1 zou2 hai2 zim1 saa1 zeoi2 daap3 dei6 tit3, hou2 do1 jan4!

    門一開就衝入去，幾分鐘到中環。
    mun4 jat1 hoi1 zau6 cung1 jap6 heoi3, gei2 fan1 zung1 dou3 zung1 waan4.

    好快但好攰！
    hou2 faai3 daan6 hou2 gui6!

    TRANSLATION

    Morning taking Mass Transit Railway (MTR) at Tsim Sha Tsui, lots of people!

    Doors open rush in, Central in minutes.

    Fast but tiring!

    BREAKDOWN

    朝早喺尖沙咀搭地鐵，好多人！
    朝早 (ziu1 zou2): morning; 喺 (hai2): at; 尖沙咀 (zim1 saa1 zeoi2): Tsim Sha Tsui; 搭 (daap3): take; 地鐵 (dei6 tit3): MTR; 好多人 (hou2 do1 jan4): lots of people

    門一開就衝入去，幾分鐘到中環。
    門 (mun4): door; 一開 (jat1 hoi1): open; 衝入去 (cung1 jap6 heoi3): rush in; 幾分鐘 (gei2 fan1 zung1): few minutes; 到中環 (dou3 zung1 waan4): to Central

    好快但好攰！
    好快 (hou2 faai3): fast; 但 (daan6): but; 好攰 (hou2 gui6): tired

    NOTES

    ■ 地鐵 (dei6 tit3) MTR is Hong Kong’s urban rail system, connects Tsim Sha Tsui to Central in ~5 minutes.

    ■ 中環 is the central business district of Hong Kong.

  • Causeway Bay Shopping

    TEXT

    上晝喺銅鑼灣行街買嘢。
    soeng6 zau3 hai2 tung4 lo4 waan1 haang4 gaai1 maai5 je5.

    時代廣場靚衫好抵買！
    si4 doi6 gwong2 coeng4 leng3 saam1 hou2 dai2 maai5!

    之後飲奶茶休息，好chill！
    zi1 hau6 jam2 naai5 caa4 jau1 sik1, hou2 chill!

    TRANSLATION

    Morning in Causeway Bay strolling shopping.

    Times Square nice clothes great deals!

    Later sip milk tea rest, relaxing!

    BREAKDOWN

    上晝喺銅鑼灣行街買嘢。
    上晝 (soeng6 zau3): morning; 喺 (hai2): at/in; 銅鑼灣 (tung4 lo4 waan1): Causeway Bay; 行街 (haang4 gaai1): window shopping/stroll shops; 買嘢 (maai5 je5): buy stuff.

    時代廣場靚衫好抵買！
    時代廣場 (si4 doi6 gwong2 coeng4): Times Square; 靚衫 (leng3 saam1): nice clothes; 好抵買 (hou2 dai2 maai5): great value buy

    之後飲奶茶休息，好chill！
    之後 (zi1 hau6): later/afterwards; 飲 (jam2): drink; 奶茶 (naai5 caa4): milk tea; 休息 (jau1 sik1): rest; 好chill (hou2 chill): very relaxing

    NOTES

    ■ Causeway Bay is a shopping hub and Times Square is an iconic mall – Causeway Bay Shopping

    ■ 行街 is typical Hong Kong expression for “walk around shopping areas”, literally means “walk street”

    ■ English words in Cantonese like “chill” common in HK casual talk – English Loanwords in Cantonese

    ■ Here’s how to tell time in Cantonese for schedule and for words like 上晝

  • Doctor’s Appointment

    TEXT

    去睇醫生驗身。
    heoi3 tai2 ji1 saang1 jim6 san1.

    醫生話我要戒糖同油膩嘅食物。
    ji1 saang1 waa6 ngo5 jiu3 gaai3 tong4 tung4 jau2 nei6 ge3 sik6 mat6.

    驗完血壓有啲高，要做埋運動。
    jim6 jyun2 hyut3 aat3 jau5 di1 gou1, jiu3 zou6 maai4 wan6 dung6.

    TRANSLATION

    Went for a check-up with the doctor.

    Doctor said I need to cut back on sugar and greasy foods.

    Blood pressure was a bit high, so I need to exercise too.

    BREAKDOWN

    去睇醫生驗身。
    去 (heoi3): go;睇 (tai2): see;醫生 (ji1 saang1): doctor;驗身 (jim6 san1): check-up

    醫生話我要戒糖同油膩嘅食物。
    醫生 (ji1 saang1): doctor;話 (waa6): said;我 (ngo5): I;要 (jiu3): need;戒 (gaai3): quit/abstain;糖 (tong4): sugar;同 (tung4): and;油膩 (jau2 nei6): greasy;嘅 (ge3): possessive particle;食物 (sik6 mat6): food

    驗完血壓有啲高，要做埋運動。
    驗完 (jim6 jyun2): tested;血壓 (hyut3 aat3): blood pressure;有啲 (jau5 di1): somewhat/a bit;高 (gou1): high;要 (jiu3): need;做埋 (zou6 maai4): do as well;運動 (wan6 dung6): exercise

    NOTES

    ■ “啲” is colloquial measure word for “some”

  • Wet Market Morning

    TEXT

    朝早去街市買餸，好新鮮！
    ziu1 zou2 heoi3 gaai1 si5 maai5 sung3, hou2 san1 sin1!

    菜心十蚊一斤，雞蛋十五蚊十個。
    coi3 sam1 sap6 man1 jat1 gan1, gai1 daan6 sap6 ng5 man1 sap6 go3.

    好抵！
    hou2 dai2!

    TRANSLATION

    Morning wet market shopping, so fresh!

    Choy sum $10/lb, eggs $15/dozen.

    Great price!

    BREAKDOWN

    朝早去街市買餸，好新鮮！
    朝早 (ziu1 zou2): morning; 去 (heoi3): go; 街市 (gaai1 si5): wet market; 買餸 (maai5 sung3): buy groceries; 好新鮮 (hou2 san1 sin1): very fresh

    菜心十蚊一斤，雞蛋十五蚊十個。
    菜心 (coi3 sam1): choy sum; 十蚊 (sap6 man1): $10; 一斤 (jat1 gan1): one catty; 雞蛋 (gai1 daan6): eggs; 十五蚊 (sap6 ng5 man1): $15; 十個 (sap6 go3): 10 pieces

    好抵！
    好抵 (hou2 dai2): great value/cheap

    NOTES

    ■ 街市 refers to HK wet markets that sell daily fresh produce, often cheaper than supermarkets.

    ■ Here’s how to express numbers in Cantonese

  • Movie Marathon Day

    TEXT

    今日淨係睇戲。
    gam1 jat6 zing6 hai6 tai2 hei3.

    由朝到晚睇咗四套戲，淨係得兩個鐘休息。
    jau4 ziu1 dou3 maan5 tai2 zo2 sei3 tou3 hei3, zing6 hai6 dak1 loeng5 go3 zung1 jau1 sik1.

    隻眼好攰，腰都硬埋。
    zek3 gaan2 hou2 gui6, jiu1 dou1 ngaang6 maai4.

    TRANSLATION

    Spent the whole day just watching movies.

    Watched four movies from morning to night with only two hours break.

    My eyes are tired, my back is stiff.

    BREAKDOWN

    今日淨係睇戲。
    今日 (gam1 jat6): today;淨係 (zing6 hai6): only/just;睇 (tai2): watch;戲 (hei3): movies

    由朝到晚睇咗四套戲，淨係得兩個鐘休息。
    由 (jau4): from;朝 (ziu1): morning;到 (dou3): until;晚 (maan5): evening;睇 (tai2): watch;咗 (zo2): completed;四套 (sei3 tou3): four (套 = classifier for movies);戲 (hei3): movies;淨係 (zing6 hai6): only;得 (dak1): have;兩個鐘 (loeng5 go3 zung1): two hours;休息 (jau1 sik1): rest

    隻眼好攰，腰都硬埋。
    隻眼 (zek3 gaan2): eyes;好攰 (hou2 gui6): very tired;腰 (jiu1): back;都 (dou1): all/also;硬埋 (ngaang6 maai4): stiff/tight

    NOTES

    N/A

  • Ferry Harbour View

    TEXT

    夜晚搭渡輪過海，好靚！
    je6 maan5 daap3 dou6 leon4 gwo3 hoi2, hou2 leng3!

    維港兩岸燈火通明。
    wai4 gong2 loeng5 ngon6 dang1 fo2 tung1 ming4.

    五分鐘到尖沙咀，抵玩！
    ng5 fan1 zung1 dou3 zim1 saa1 zeoi2, dai2 waan2!

    TRANSLATION

    Evening ferry across harbour, so pretty!

    Victoria Harbour both sides lit up.

    5 mins to Tsim Sha Tsui, worth it!

    BREAKDOWN

    夜晚搭渡輪過海，好靚！
    夜晚 (je6 maan5): evening; 搭 (daap3): take; 渡輪 (dou6 leon4): ferry; 過海 (gwo3 hoi2): cross harbour; 好靚 (hou2 leng3): very pretty

    維港兩岸燈火通明。
    維港 (wai4 gong2): Victoria Harbour; 兩岸 (loeng5 ngon6): both sides; 燈火通明 (dang1 fo2 tung1 ming4): lights everywhere

    五分鐘到尖沙咀，抵玩！
    五分鐘 (ng5 fan1 zung1): 5 minutes; 到 (dou3): arrive; 尖沙咀 (zim1 saa1 zeoi2): Tsim Sha Tsui; 抵玩 (dai2 waan2): worth going

    NOTES

    ■ 渡輪 iconic Star Ferry connects HK to Central since 1888 – HK-Kowloon route.

    ■ 尖沙咀 Tsim Sha Tsui major tourist hub with shops, restaurants, Clock Tower – TripAdvisor Tsim Sha Tsui reviews.

  • A Sunny Day in Hong Kong

    TEXT

    今日天氣好好，我去維園散下步。
    gam1 jat6 tin1 hei3 hou2 hou2, ngo5 heoi3 wai4 jyun2 saan3 haa5 bou6.

    沿路好多攤檔，有得買小食。
    jin4 lou6 hou2 do1 taan1 dong3, jau5 dak1 maai5 siu2 sik6.

    我坐巴士返屋企，覺得好舒服。
    ngo5 co5 baa1 si2 faan1 uk1 kei2, gok3 dak1 hou2 syu1 fuk6.

    TRANSLATION

    Today the weather is very nice. I went to Victoria Park for a walk.

    Along the way, there were many stalls selling snacks.

    I took the bus home and felt very comfortable.

    BREAKDOWN

    今日天氣好好，我去維園散下步。
    今日 (gam1 jat6): today;天氣 (tin1 hei3): weather;好好 (hou2 hou2): very good;我 (ngo5): I;去 (heoi3): go;維園 (wai4 jyun2): Victoria Park;散下步 (saan3 haa5 bou6): take a walk

    沿路好多攤檔，有得買小食。
    沿路 (jin4 lou6): along the road;好多 (hou2 do1): many;攤檔 (taan1 dong3): stalls;有得 (jau5 dak1): there are;買 (maai5): buy;小食 (siu2 sik6): snacks

    我坐巴士返屋企，覺得好舒服。
    我 (ngo5): I;坐 (co5): sit/take;巴士 (baa1 si2): bus;返 (faan1): return;屋企 (uk1 kei2): home;覺得 (gok3 dak1): feel;好舒服 (hou2 syu1 fuk6): very comfortable

    NOTES

    ■ “維園” is the short version of the place name “維多利亞公園“, which is one of Hong Kong most popular parks.

  • Clinic 2-Hour Wait

    TEXT

    診所排隊要兩個鐘！
    can2 so2 paai4 deoi2 jiu3 loeng5 go3 zung1!

    個個病人坐到瞓著。
    go3 go3 beng6 jan4 co5 dou3 fan3 zoek6.

    醫生得一個。
    ji1 saang1 dak1 jat1 go3.

    TRANSLATION

    Clinic need to wait for 2 hours!

    Patients sitting until asleep.

    One doctor only.

    BREAKDOWN

    診所排隊要兩個鐘！
    診所 (can2 so2): clinic; 排隊 (paai4 deoi2): queue; 要 (jiu3): need; 兩個 (loeng5 go3): two; 鐘 (zung1): hour

    個個病人坐到瞓著。
    個個 (go3 go3): every; 病人 (beng6 jan4): patient; 坐 (co5): sit; 到 (dou3): until; 瞓著 (fan3 zoek6): fall asleep

    醫生得一個。
    醫生 (ji1 saang1): doctor; 得 (dak1): have/only; 一 (jat1): one; 個 (go3): classifier/measure word

    NOTES

    ■ 個 is the measure word/classifier for people/things

  • Visiting Grandma

    TEXT

    喺奶奶屋企度過下晝。
    hai2 naai4 naai2 uk1 kei2 dou6 gwo3 haa5 zau3.

    奶奶煮咗好多菜，好好食。
    naai4 naai2 zyu2 zo2 hou2 do1 coi3, hou2 hou2 sik6.

    食完飯同佢傾吓偈。
    sik6 jyun2 faan6 tung4 keoi5 king1 haa5 gai2.

    TRANSLATION

    Spent the afternoon at grandma’s place.

    Grandma cooked lots of dishes, very delicious.

    After eating, we chatted a bit.

    BREAKDOWN

    喺奶奶屋企度過下晝。
    喺 (hai2): at;奶奶 (naai4 naai2): grandma;屋企 (uk1 kei2): home;度過 (dou6 gwo3): spend (time);下晝 (haa5 zau3): afternoon

    奶奶煮咗好多菜，好好食。
    奶奶 (naai4 naai2): grandma;煮 (zyu2): cook;咗 (zo2): completed;好多 (hou2 do1): lots;菜 (coi3): dishes/vegetables;好好食 (hou2 hou2 sik6): very delicious

    食完飯同佢傾吓偈。
    食完 (sik6 jyun2): finished eating;飯 (faan6): rice/meal;同 (tung4): with;佢 (keoi5): him/her;傾 (king1): chat;吓 (haa5): a bit;偈 (gai2): chatting/talking

    NOTES

    ■ “傾(吓)偈” is Cantonese for “have a chat”

  • MTR Rush Hour Delay

    TEXT

    今日MTR延誤一個鐘。
    gam1 jat6 MTR jin4 ng6 jat1 go3 zung1.

    人山人海，個個都好嬲。
    jan4 saan1 jan4 hoi2, go3 go3 dou1 hou2 nau1.

    香港生活真係忙碌。
    hoeng1 gong2 sang1 wut6 zan1 hai6 mong4 luk6.

    TRANSLATION

    Today MTR delayed 1 hour.

    Packed with people, everyone was angry.

    HK life really busy.

    BREAKDOWN

    今日MTR延誤一個鐘。
    今日 (gam1 jat6): today; MTR: Mass Transit Railway; 延誤 (jin4 ng6): delay; 一個鐘 (jat1 go3 zung1): one hour

    人山人海，個個都好嬲。
    人山人海 (jan4 saan1 jan4 hoi2): packed with people (lit. “people mountain, people sea”); 個個 (go3 go3): everyone; 都 (dou1): all; 好 (hou2): very; 嬲 (nau1): angry

    香港生活真係忙碌。
    香港 (hoeng1 gong2): Hong Kong; 生活 (sang1 wut6): life; 真係 (zan1 hai6): really; 忙碌 (mong4 luk6): busy

    NOTES

    ■ 人山人海 is vivid Cantonese idiom for “packed with people”, literally translates as “People Mountain, People Sea”

    ■ MTR is Hong Kong’s urban rail system

  • Gym Workout Routine

    TEXT

    今日去健身房。
    gam1 jat6 heoi3 gin6 san1 fong2.

    跑步機上面跑咗三十分鐘。
    paau2 bou6 gei1 soeng6 min6 paau2 zo2 saam1 sap6 fan1 zung1.

    之後做舉重，肌肉好酸。
    zi1 hau6 zou6 geoi2 zung6, gei1 juk6 hou2 syun1.

    TRANSLATION

    Went to the gym today.

    Ran on the treadmill for 30 minutes.

    Then did some weight lifting – muscle is so sore.

    BREAKDOWN

    今日去健身房。
    今日 (gam1 jat6): today;去 (heoi3): go;健身房 (gin6 san1 fong2): gym

    跑步機上面跑咗三十分鐘。
    跑步機 (paau2 bou6 gei1): treadmill;上面 (soeng6 min6): on;跑 (paau2): run;咗 (zo2): completed;三十分鐘 (saam1 sap6 fan1 zung1): 30 minutes

    之後做舉重，肌肉好酸。
    之後 (zi1 hau6): after;做 (zou6): do;舉重 (geoi2 zung6): weight lifting;肌肉 (gei1 juk6): muscle;好酸 (hou2 syun1): very sore

    NOTES

    ■ “酸” specifically means “sore/aching”, it could also mean “sour/acid” in other contexts

    ■ “咗” shows past aspect (like “-ed”) – here’s a link explaining Cantonese tenses and grammar.

  • Cooking for Friends

    TEXT

    啱啱煮飯。
    ngaam1 ngaam1 zyu2 faan6.

    整咗蒜蓉蝦同炒米粉。
    zing2 zo2 syun3 jung4 haa1 tung4 caau2 mai5 fan2.

    個個朋友都話好好食，開心死。
    go3 go3 pang4 jau5 dou1 waa6 hou2 hou2 sik6, hoi1 sam1 sei2.

    TRANSLATION

    Just prepared a meal.

    Made garlic shrimp and fried rice noodles.

    All my friends said it was delicious – so happy.

    BREAKDOWN

    啱啱煮飯。
    啱啱 (ngaam1 ngaam1): just now;煮 (zyu2): cook;飯 (faan6): meal/rice

    整咗蒜蓉蝦同炒米粉。
    整 (zing2): make/prepare;咗 (zo2): completed;蒜蓉蝦 (syun3 jung4 haa1): garlic shrimp;同 (tung4): and;炒 (caau2): stir-fry;米粉 (mai5 fan2): rice noodles

    個個朋友都話好好食，開心死。
    個個 (go3 go3): every one;朋友 (pang4 jau5): friends;都 (dou1): all;話 (waa6): said;好好食 (hou2 hou2 sik6): very delicious;開心死 (hoi1 sam1 sei2): extremely happy (lit. “happy to death”)

    NOTES

    ■ “開心死” is an exaggerated expression literally means “happy to death” – common in spoken Cantonese

  • Christmas Light Walking Tour

    TEXT

    夜晚同朋友行街睇聖誕燈飾。
    je6 maan5 tung4 pang4 jau5 haang4 gai1 tai2 sing3 daan3 dang1 sik1.

    中環、尖沙咀、銅鑼灣都裝飾得好靚。
    zung1 waan4, zim1 saa1 zeoi2, tung4 lo4 waan1 dou1 zong1 sik1 dak1 hou2 leng3.

    影咗好多相。
    jing2 zo2 hou2 do1 soeng2.

    TRANSLATION

    Walked around at night with friends to see Christmas lights.

    Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Causeway Bay all decorated beautifully.

    Took lots of photos.

    BREAKDOWN

    夜晚同朋友行街睇聖誕燈飾。
    夜晚 (je6 maan5): night;同 (tung4): with;朋友 (pang4 jau5): friends;行街 (haang4 gai1): walk around town;睇 (tai2): see;聖誕燈飾 (sing3 daan3 dang1 sik1): Christmas light decorations

    中環、尖沙咀、銅鑼灣都裝飾得好靚。
    中環 (zung1 waan4): Central;尖沙咀 (zim1 saa1 zeoi2): Tsim Sha Tsui;銅鑼灣 (tung4 lo4 waan1): Causeway Bay;都 (dou1): all;裝飾 (zong1 sik1): decorate;得 (dak1): auxiliary verb;好靚 (hou2 leng3): very beautiful

    影咗好多相。
    影 (jing2): take (photo);咗 (zo2): completed;好多 (hou2 do1): lots;相 (soeng2): photo

    NOTES

    ■ 行街 is typical Hong Kong expression for “walk around shopping areas”

    ■ Christmas is celebrated in Hong Kong, shimmering lights in crowded areas

  • Holiday Countdown

    TEXT

    聖誕節剩番幾日，我開始執屋。
    sing3 daan3 zit3 zing6 faan1 gei2 jat6, ngo5 hoi1 ci2 zap1 uk1.

    執走啲舊嘢，買咗啲新裝飾。
    zap1 zau2 di1 gau6 je5, maai5 zo2 di1 san1 zong1 sik1.

    屋企靚咗好多，等緊聖誕派對。
    uk1 kei2 leng3 zo2 hou2 do1, dang2 gan2 sing3 daan3 paai3 deoi3.

    TRANSLATION

    Christmas is just days away – I started cleaning up the house.

    Cleared out old stuff, bought new decorations.

    The place looks much better now – waiting for the Christmas party.

    BREAKDOWN

    聖誕節剩番幾日，我開始執屋。
    聖誕節 (sing3 daan3 zit3): Christmas Day;剩番 (zing6 faan1): remaining;幾日 (gei2 jat6): how many days;我 (ngo5): I;開始 (hoi1 ci2): start;執 (zap1): organize/tidy;屋 (uk1): home

    執走啲舊嘢，買咗啲新裝飾。
    執 (zap1): clear;走 (zau2): leave;啲 (di1): some;舊嘢 (gau6 je5): old stuff;買 (maai5): buy;咗 (zo2): completed;啲 (di1): some;新裝飾 (san1 zong1 sik1): new decorations

    屋企靚咗好多，等緊聖誕派對。
    屋企 (uk1 kei2): home;靚 (leng3): beautiful;咗 (zo2): became;好多 (hou2 do1): much/lots;等緊 (dang2 gan2): awaiting;聖誕派對 (sing3 daan3 paai3 deoi3): Christmas party

    NOTES

    ■ “嘢” is casual word for “thing/stuff” (formal: “東西”)

  • Winter Solstice Festival

    TEXT

    今日冬至，媽媽煮咗好多湯圓。
    gam1 jat6 dung1 zi3, maa4 maa1 zyu2 zo2 hou2 do1 tong1 jyun2.

    一家人一齊食湯圓，象徵團圓。
    jat1 gaa1 jan4 jat1 cai4 sik6 tong1 jyun2, zoeng6 zing1 tyun4 jyun4.

    黑芝麻湯圓好香，我食咗十粒。
    hak1 zi1 maa4 tong1 jyun2 hou2 hoeng1, ngo5 sik6 zo2 sap6 lap1.

    TRANSLATION

    Today is Winter Solstice, mom cooked lots of glutinous rice balls.

    The family ate glutinous rice balls together, symbolizing reunion.

    The black sesame glutinous rice balls smelled so good – I had ten.

    BREAKDOWN

    今日冬至，媽媽煮咗好多湯圓。
    今日 (gam1 jat6): today;冬至 (dung1 zi3): Winter Solstice;媽媽 (maa4 maa1): mom;煮 (zyu2): cook;咗 (zo2): completed;好多 (hou2 do1): lots;湯圓 (tong1 jyun2): glutinous rice balls

    一家人一齊食湯圓，象徵團圓。
    一家人 (jat1 gaa1 jan4): whole family;一齊 (jat1 cai4): together;食 (sik6): eat;湯圓 (tong1 jyun2): glutinous rice balls;象徵 (zoeng6 zing1): symbolize;團圓 (tyun4 jyun4): reunion

    黑芝麻湯圓好香，我食咗十粒。
    黑芝麻 (hak1 zi1 maa4): black sesame;湯圓 (tong1 jyun2): glutinous rice balls;好香 (hou2 hoeng1): very fragrant;我 (ngo5): I;食 (sik6): eat;咗 (zo2): completed;十 (sap6): ten;粒 (lap1): classifier for small round things

    NOTES

    ■ 冬至 is an important Chinese festival with family reunion significance

    ■ 象徵團圓 literally means “symbolizes family reunion” – cultural significance of the custom

    ■ 粒 is classifier for small round objects like rice balls, pills, etc.

  • New Metro Line Opening

    TEXT

    政府話，新地鐵線下星期一開始營運。
    zing3 fu2 waa6, san1 dei6 tit3 sin3 haa6 sing1 kei4 jat1 hoi1 ci2 jing4 wan6.

    新路線會經過多個區域，方便市民。
    san1 lou6 sin3 wui5 ging1 gwo3 do1 go3 keoi1 wik6, fong1 bin6 si5 man4.

    呢個消息令大家好期待。
    ni1 go3 siu1 sik1 ling6 daai6 gaa1 hou2 kei4 doi6.

    TRANSLATION

    The government said the new metro line will start operation next Monday.

    The new route will pass through many districts, making it convenient for citizens.

    This news makes everyone very excited.

    BREAKDOWN

    政府話，新地鐵線下星期一開始營運。
    政府 (zing3 fu2): government;話 (waa6): said;新 (san1): new;地鐵線 (dei6 tit3 sin3): metro line;下星期一 (haa6 sing1 kei4 jat1): next Monday;開始 (hoi1 ci2): start;營運 (jing4 wan6): operation

    新路線會經過多個區域，方便市民。
    新 (san1): new;路線 (lou6 sin3): route;會 (wui5): will;經過 (ging1 gwo3): pass through;多個 (do1 go3): many;區域 (keoi1 wik6): districts;方便 (fong1 bin6): convenient;市民 (si5 man4): citizens

    呢個消息令大家好期待。
    呢個 (ni1 go3): this;消息 (siu1 sik1): news;令 (ling6): make;大家 (daai6 gaa1): everyone;好 (hou2): very;期待 (kei4 doi6): excited

    NOTES

    N/A

  • Restaurant Opening News

    TEXT

    灣仔有間新開嘅米芝蓮餐廳，周圍話好得。
    waan1 zai2 jau5 gaan1 san1 hoi1 ge3 mai5 zi1 lin4 caan1 teng1, zau1 wai4 waa6 hou2 dak1.

    大廚嚟自東京，煮嘅日本菜創意十足。
    daai6 cyu2 lai4 zi6 dung1 ging1, zyu2 ge3 jat6 bun2 coi3 cong3 ji3 sap6 zuk1.

    訂枱要等三個月。
    deng6 toi2 jiu3 dang2 saam1 go3 jyut6.

    TRANSLATION

    There’s a newly opened Michelin restaurant in Wan Chai getting lots of praise.

    The head chef came from Tokyo, cooking innovative Japanese cuisine.

    Need to wait three months for a reservation.

    BREAKDOWN

    灣仔有間新開嘅米芝蓮餐廳，周圍話好得。
    灣仔 (waan1 zai2): Wan Chai;有 (jau5): have/there is;間 (gaan1): classifier for restaurants;新開 (san1 hoi1): newly opened;嘅 (ge3): possessive;米芝蓮餐廳 (mai5 zi1 lin4 caan1 teng1): Michelin restaurant;周圍 (zau1 wai4): around/everywhere;話 (waa6): say;好得 (hou2 dak1): very good

    大廚嚟自東京，煮嘅日本菜創意十足。
    大廚 (daai6 cyu2): head chef;嚟自 (lai4 zi6): come from;東京 (dung1 ging1): Tokyo;煮 (zyu2): cook;嘅 (ge3): possessive;日本菜 (jat6 bun2 coi3): Japanese cuisine;創意 (cong3 ji3): creative;十足 (sap6 zuk1): plenty/ample

    訂枱要等三個月。
    訂 (deng6): book;枱 (toi2): table;要 (jiu3): need;等 (dang2): wait;三個月 (saam1 go3 jyut6): three months

    NOTES

    ■ 米芝蓮 is transliteration of Michelin

    ■ 灣仔 is a district on Hong Kong Island

  • Launch of New Metro Service

    TEXT

    新路線今日正式開通。
    san1 lou6 sin3 gam1 jat6 zing3 sik1 hoi1 tung1.

    由新界直達市中心，行程時間縮短四十分鐘。
    jau4 san1 gaai3 zik6 daat6 si5 zung1 sam1, haang4 cing4 si4 gaan3 suk1 dyun2 sei3 sap6 fan1 zung1.

    市民反應好好，日日都爆滿。
    si5 man4 faan2 jing3 hou2 hou2, jat6 jat6 dou1 baau3 mun5.

    TRANSLATION

    New line officially opened today.

    Directly connects New Territories to city center – journey time reduced by 40 minutes.

    Public response is very good, packed every day.

    BREAKDOWN

    新路線今日正式開通。
    新 (san1): new;路線 (lou6 sin3): route/line;今日 (gam1 jat6): today;正式 (zing3 sik1): officially;開通 (hoi1 tung1): open/commence operation

    由新界直達市中心，行程時間縮短四十分鐘。
    由 (jau4): from;新界 (san1 gaai3): New Territories;直達 (zik6 daat6): directly connects;市中心 (si5 zung1 sam1): city center;行程 (haang4 cing4): journey;時間 (si4 gaan3): time;縮短 (suk1 dyun2): reduced;四十分鐘 (sei3 sap6 fan1 zung1): 40 minutes

    市民反應好好，日日都爆滿。
    市民 (si5 man4): residents/public;反應 (faan2 jing3): response;好好 (hou2 hou2): very good;日日 (jat6 jat6): every day;都 (dou1): all;爆滿 (baau3 mun5): packed/full

    NOTES

    ■ MTR is Hong Kong’s urban rail system

    ■ 新界 is one of the three areas of Hong Kong – along with Kowloon and Hong Kong Island

  • Retail Sales Success

    TEXT

    零售業績打破紀錄。
    ling4 sau6 jip6 zik1 daa2 po3 gei3 luk6.

    網上銷售按年增長百分之三十。
    mong5 soeng6 siu1 sau6 on3 nin4 zang1 zoeng2 baak3 fan6 zi1 saam1 sap6.

    時裝店同食肆都人氣爆棚。
    si4 zong1 dim3 tung4 sik6 si3 dou1 jan4 hei3 baau3 paang4.

    TRANSLATION

    Retail sales broke records.

    Online sales grew 30% year-on-year.

    Clothing stores and restaurants are packed with crowds.

    BREAKDOWN

    零售業績打破紀錄。
    零售 (ling4 sau6): retail;業績 (jip6 zik1): sales performance;打破 (daa2 po3): break;紀錄 (gei3 luk6): record

    網上銷售按年增長百分之三十。
    網上 (mong5 soeng6): online;銷售 (siu1 sau6): sales;按年 (on3 nin4): year-on-year;增長 (zang1 zoeng2): growth;百分之三十 (baak3 fan6 zi1 saam1 sap6): 30%

    時裝店同食肆都人氣爆滿。
    時裝店 (si4 zong1 dim3): clothing store;同 (tung4): and;食肆 (sik6 si3): restaurant/eatery;都 (dou1): all;人氣 (jan4 hei3): popularity/crowds;爆棚 (baau3 paang4): packed/full to bursting

    NOTES

    ■ “百分之三十” literally means “a hundred’s thirty”, which is 30% – “百分之五十” means 50%

    ■ Here’s how to say 10, 20, 30 and beyond in Cantonese

  • Rain Forecast Alert

    TEXT

    天文台發出黃色暴雨警告。
    tin1 man4 toi4 faat3 ceot1 wong4 sik1 bo6 jyu5 ging2 gou3.

    香港今晚會落大雨，出門要帶遮。
    hoeng1 gong2 gam1 maan5 wui5 lok6 daai6 jyu5, ceot1 mun4 jiu3 daai3 ze1.

    校方話有可能停課。
    haau6 fong1 waa6 jau5 ho2 nang4 ting4 fo3.

    TRANSLATION

    The observatory issued a amber rainstorm warning.

    Hong Kong will have heavy rain tonight – bring an umbrella when going out.

    School might have classes suspended.

    BREAKDOWN

    天文台發出黃色暴雨警告。
    天文台 (tin1 man4 toi4): observatory;發出 (faat3 ceot1): issue;黃色 (wong4 sik1): amber/yellow;暴雨 (bo6 jyu5): rainstorm;警告 (ging2 gou3): warning

    香港今晚會落大雨，出門要帶遮。
    香港 (hoeng1 gong2): Hong Kong;今晚 (gam1 maan5): tonight;會 (wui5): will;落 (lok6): fall;大雨 (daai6 jyu5): heavy rain;出門 (ceot1 mun4): go out;要 (jiu3): need;帶 (daai3): bring;遮 (ze1): umbrella

    校方話有可能停課。
    校方 (haau6 fong1): school administration;話 (waa6): said;有 (jau5): have;可能 (ho2 nang4): possible;停課 (ting4 fo3): suspend classes

    NOTES

    ■ 黃色/紅色/黑色 are the three rainstorm warning levels in Hong Kong (Amber/Red/Black)

    ■ 停課 is term for “class suspension”, and is common during typhoons/heavy rain

  • Holiday Shopping

    TEXT

    商場做緊減價。
    soeng1 coeng4 zou6 gan2 gaam2 gaa3.

    好多衫褲都有五折優惠。
    hou2 do1 saam1 fu3 dou1 jau5 ng5 zit3 jau1 wai6.

    人人都急住去掃貨，場面好瘋狂。
    jan4 jan4 dou1 gap1 zyu6 heoi3 sou3 fo3, coeng4 min2 hou2 fung1 kwong4.

    TRANSLATION

    Malls are having sales.

    Many clothes have 50% off discounts.

    Everyone is rushing to shop, the scene is crazy.

    BREAKDOWN

    商場做緊減價。
    商場 (soeng1 coeng4): shopping mall;做緊 (zou6 gan2): doing/having (continuous);減價 (gaam2 gaa3): sale/discount

    好多衫褲都有五折優惠。
    好多 (hou2 do1): lots;衫褲 (saam1 fu3): clothes;都 (dou1): all;有 (jau5): have;五折 (ng5 zit3): 50% off (lit. “five folds”);優惠 (jau1 wai6): discount/promotion

    人人都急住去掃貨，場面好瘋狂。
    人人 (jan4 jan4): everyone;都 (dou1): all;急住 (gap1 zyu6): rush;去 (heoi3): go;掃貨 (sou3 fo3): shop frantically (lit. “sweep goods”);場面 (coeng4 min2): scene;好瘋狂 (hou2 fung1 kwong4): very crazy

    NOTES

    ■ “折” is added after the number to signify discounts (五折 = 50% original price = 50% off, 三折 = 30% original price = 70% off)

    ■ 掃貨 is vivid slang meaning “shop frantically” (lit. “sweep goods”) – very common in Hong Kong context

  • Christmas Shopping in Tsim Sha Tsui

    TEXT

    聖誕前夕尖沙咀好熱鬧。
    sing3 daan3 cin4 zik6 zim1 saa1 zeoi2 hou2 jit6 naau6.

    商舖裝飾靚爆，人龍好長。
    soeng1 pou3 zong1 sik1 leng3 baau3, jan4 lung4 hou2 coeng4.

    遊客同本地人都買緊聖誕禮物。
    jau4 hak6 tung4 bun2 dei6 jan4 dou1 maai5 gan2 sing3 daan3 lai5 mat6.

    TRANSLATION

    Tsim Sha Tsui is super lively on Christmas Eve.

    Shops decorated beautifully, long queues everywhere.

    Tourists and locals all buying Christmas gifts.

    BREAKDOWN

    聖誕前夕尖沙咀好熱鬧。
    聖誕前夕 (sing3 daan3 cin4 zik6): Christmas Eve;尖沙咀 (zim1 saa1 zeoi2): Tsim Sha Tsui;好熱鬧 (hou2 jit6 naau6): very lively

    商舖裝飾靚爆，人龍好長。
    商舖 (soeng1 pou3): shops;裝飾 (zong1 sik1): decorations;靚爆 (leng3 baau3): stunningly beautiful (slang);人龍 (jan4 lung4): queue of people;好長 (hou2 coeng4): very long

    遊客同本地人都買緊聖誕禮物。
    遊客 (jau4 hak6): tourists;本地人 (bun2 dei6 jan4): locals;都 (dou1): all;買緊 (maai5 gan2): buying (continuous);聖誕禮物 (sing3 daan3 lai5 mat6): Christmas gifts

    NOTES

    ■ “人龍” is vivid Cantonese for “long queue of people” (lit. “dragon of people”).

    ■ “靚爆” is a slang meaning “extremely beautiful” (“靚” = pretty + “爆” = explode).