What Are the Most Important Cantonese Phrases?
Cantonese (粵語, Yuet jyu) is the primary language of Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangdong province in southern China. It is spoken by approximately 80–85 million people worldwide, with large diaspora communities in North America, the UK, and Australia. Learning even a small number of Cantonese phrases opens doors to genuine cultural connection with Cantonese speakers.
This guide covers the most practically useful Cantonese phrases, with Jyutping romanization, Chinese characters, and usage notes for each.
Basic Cantonese Greetings
你好 (Nei5 hou2) — Hello
The standard Cantonese greeting. Literally means "You good?" Used in most situations the same way "hello" is used in English. More formal than 喀 (haai1, a casual "hey").
你好嗎 (Nei5 hou2 maa3) — How Are You?
The question form of the greeting. Adding 嗎 (maa3) turns a statement into a yes/no question. Standard response: 好好 (hou2 hou2, "good, good") or 馬馬虎虎 (maa5 maa5 fu2 fu2, "so-so").
小姐 / 先生 (Siu2 ze2 / Sin1 saang1) — Miss / Mister
Polite address terms. 小姐 (siu2 ze2) for a woman, 先生 (sin1 saang1) for a man. Used when addressing strangers formally, restaurant staff, or unfamiliar adults.
多謝 (Do1 ze6) — Thank You (for a gift/favor)
The Cantonese thank-you for receiving a gift, a meal, or a significant favor. Different from 唔謔 (m4 goi1), which is used for everyday service or help.
唔謔 (M4 goi1) — Thank You (for service) / Excuse Me
Used when thanking someone for a service (a waiter, a shopkeeper) or to get someone's attention. Knowing the difference between 多謝 and 唔謔 is one of the most practically useful Cantonese distinctions for visitors to Hong Kong.
Cantonese Food and Restaurant Phrases
飲茶 (Jam2 caa4) — Let's Do Yum Cha
An invitation to go for dim sum and tea. Literally "drink tea." If someone asks 要唔要去飲茶 (jiu3 m4 jiu3 heoi3 jam2 caa4), they are inviting you for dim sum. One of the most common social invitations in Cantonese culture.
好食 (Hou2 sik6) — Delicious
The primary food compliment. Literally "good to eat." Universally understood across all Cantonese-speaking regions. Saying 好食 after a meal is a genuine compliment to the cook or the restaurant.
要消單 (Jiu3 siu1 daan1) — Can We Have the Bill?
Requesting the check at a restaurant. Direct and polite. Alternatively: 埋單 (maai4 daan1), which is slightly more informal and also widely used.
包 (Baau1) — Wrap It Up / To Go
Used when you want to take food to go. Saying 我要包 (Ngo5 jiu3 baau1) means "I want it wrapped / to go."
Everyday Cantonese Expressions
喔喔 (Aa1 aa3) — OK / I See / Acknowledgment
A versatile filler particle indicating acknowledgment or mild agreement. Used constantly in Cantonese conversation. Saying 喔喔 at the end of a sentence softens the tone.
幾多錢 (Gei2 do1 cin2) — How Much Does It Cost?
The standard price inquiry. Works in any market, shop, or restaurant. Essential phrase for any visit to Hong Kong or Guangdong.
我唔明 (Ngo5 m4 ming4) — I Don't Understand
Useful when communication breaks down. Cantonese speakers will generally appreciate the attempt to communicate in Cantonese even if your vocabulary is limited.
喔不起 (Aa1 m4 hei2) — I'm Sorry / Excuse Me
A light apology or excuse-me expression. More casual than the formal 對唔起 (Deoi3 m4 hei2), which is used for more serious apologies.
Cantonese Cultural Phrases
恭喜發財 (Gung1 hei2 faat3 coi4) — Congratulations and Prosperity
The standard Lunar New Year greeting in Cantonese. Literally "respectfully wishing you wealth." Widely used during Lunar New Year (Cantonese: 農曆新年, Nungng lik6 san1 nin4) greetings among Cantonese speakers globally.
飹飹 (Fan4 fan4) — Abundance / Bountiful
Used in blessings and toasts. Conveys a wish for abundance and plenty. Often heard during festive occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cantonese Phrases
How do you say hello in Cantonese?
你好 (Nei5 hou2) is the standard hello in Cantonese. It literally means "you good?" and is used in most contexts the same way "hello" is used in English.
How do you say thank you in Cantonese?
There are two main ways: 多謝 (Do1 ze6) for thanking someone for a gift or favor, and 唔謔 (M4 goi1) for thanking someone for a service or for getting someone's attention. Using the wrong one is a common mistake among learners.
How do you say I love you in Cantonese?
我愛你 (Ngo5 oi3 nei5) is the direct translation of "I love you" in Cantonese. It is considered quite direct and romantic. The more casual expression of affection is 我好中你 (Ngo5 hou2 zung1 nei5), meaning "I really like you."
What is the difference between Cantonese and Mandarin greetings?
The vocabulary is completely different. In Mandarin, hello is 你好 (Nǐ hǎo), which looks the same in writing but is pronounced differently. In Cantonese, hello is 你好 (Nei5 hou2). Cantonese and Mandarin are not mutually intelligible spoken languages, even when they share the same written characters.
Is it polite to try speaking Cantonese as a non-native?
Yes. Cantonese speakers in Hong Kong, Guangdong, and the diaspora generally appreciate genuine attempts to use the language. Even a basic 唔謔 (M4 goi1, thank you) or 好食 (Hou2 sik6, delicious) is warmly received.