Essential Guide to Cantonese Phrases for Your Trip to Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a fascinating destination for any traveler, but to truly immerse yourself in its essence, there's one key: language. Although you can get by with English, which is widely used in the tourism, business, and government sectors, and although you'll hear Mandarin, the local language of Hong Kong remains Cantonese.

Cantonese (Gwóngdùng wá) is a vibrant and nuanced language, primarily spoken in Guangdong province, Macau, and, of course, Hong Kong. It's the mother tongue of the vast majority of its inhabitants and the sound of its streets. What most characterizes it, and at the same time makes it challenging, is that it's a tonal language. This means that the tone with which you pronounce a syllable can completely change its meaning. Standard Cantonese has nine tones, which is a lot for a Spanish speaker. But here's the good news: locals incredibly value any effort you make to speak their language. They don't expect you to be fluent; a simple word or phrase, even with slightly off-key tones, will be met with a smile of surprise and appreciation. Your intention is what matters most.

This guide isn't meant to make you fluent, but rather to equip you with the basic linguistic tools that will transform your experience from an observer to a participant more connected to the local culture. So take a deep breath, relax, and dare to try.

A Quick Note on Pronunciation and Romanization

The romanization you'll see below (like "Nei hou") is a system for representing Cantonese sounds using the Latin alphabet. It's a rough guide. The best way to learn the actual pronunciation is by listening. You can search on YouTube or use apps to listen to the correct intonation. Pay close attention to the tones, but don't stress about them. Again, your effort is worth much more than perfection.

Greetings and Essentials: The Pillars of Any Interaction

These are the phrases that open doors. They are the "please" and "thank you" that smooth any social exchange and show your respect for the local culture.

You'll begin most of your interactions with a simple "Nei hou" (你好) to say hello. It's formal and polite. To say goodbye, "Joi gin" (再見) is the clear equivalent of "goodbye."

Now, let's talk about "thank you," because there's an important nuance here that will make you sound like a pro. Hong Kong has two main words for thank you, and using them correctly makes all the difference. The first is "Mm goi" (唔該). This is an incredibly versatile word. It means "please," "excuse me," or "thank you," but specifically for a service. Use it with cashiers, waiters, taxi drivers, or when someone hands you something. It's gratitude for everyday transactions and services.

The second is "Dor jeh" (多謝). This is a more formal and heartfelt expression of thanks. It's used when you receive a physical gift, a compliment, or when someone does you a significant favor. If a local invites you to eat or helps you in a special way, a "dor jeh" will be greatly appreciated. To emphasize either expression, you can add "sai" at the end, as in "Dor jeh sai" (多謝晒), which means "thank you very much."

To affirm or deny, use "Hai" (係) for "yes" and "M hai" (唔係) for "no." One of the most common and authentic ways to ask "How are you?" in Cantonese isn't a direct question about your feelings, but about a basic need: food. "Sik-jor-faan-mei-ah?" (食咗飯未呀?) literally translates to "Have you eaten yet?" It's a sign of genuine concern. You can respond with "Sik jor" (食咗) for "yes, I've eaten," or "Mei sik" (未食) for "no, not yet." Finally, if you need to apologize or make your way through a crowd, "Deoi m zyu" (對唔住) is the equivalent of "I'm sorry" or "excuse me."

Getting Around the City: Master Public Transportation

Hong Kong's transport system is efficient and complex. Knowing a few key phrases will help you navigate it like a local.

If you need to find the subway, ask: "Day-teep-jaam-hai-bin-douh-ah?" (地鐵站喺邊度呀?). To find a restroom, essential after so much tea, ask: "Chi-sor-hai-bin-douh-ah?" (廁所喺邊度呀?). The particle "ah" at the end softens the question, making it sound more polite.

One of the most important phrases, especially if you're using the green or red minibuses that don't have fixed stops, is "Yau lok, mm goi!" (有落, 唔該!). This literally means "I have to get off, please!" and you should say it clearly and firmly so the driver can hear you. If you're lost and looking at a map, point to your location and ask "Ni douh hai bin douh ah?" (呢度係邊度呀?) – "Where is this place?". It's helpful to know the names of the different modes of transport: bus is "Baa-si" (巴士), minibus is "Siu-baa" (小巴), and ferry is "Syun" (船).

Food and Drink: The Real Reason to Visit Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a gastronomic paradise. This section is probably the most important in the guide.

The tradition of "Yum cha" (飲茶), which means "drinking tea," is actually an invitation to a meal where you'll eat dim sum. It's a social and culinary experience you shouldn't miss. When you've finished eating and want the bill, just say "Mai daan, mm goi!" (買單, 唔該!). It's also common to make a hand gesture as if you're signing in the air; everyone will understand.

If the food is amazing, shout "Ho mei!" (好味!) – "That's delicious!" The waiter will be flattered. To ask for the menu, say "Coi-paai, mm goi" (菜牌, 唔該). One of the most useful phrases, especially if you're not familiar with the names of the dishes, is "Go go, mm goi" (嗰個，唔該) while pointing at something on the menu or on someone else's table. It means "that one, please." If you don't want ice in your drink, which is common since many Asians prefer their drinks at room temperature, say "M sai bing, mm goi" (唔要冰，唔該). And to control the spiciness, learn "M laat" (唔辣) for "not spicy" and "Siu laat" (少辣) for "slightly spicy."

Shopping and Numbers: The Art of Haggling

Shopping at street markets is an adventure. Knowing the numbers and a few phrases will allow you to haggle effectively.

Learn the numbers from one to ten: Yat (一), Yee (二), Saam (三), Sei (四), Mm (五), Lok (六), Chat (七), Baat (八), Gau (九), Sap (十). With this, you will be able to understand the prices you are told.

The key question when you see something you like is "Gay-dor-chin-ah?" (幾多錢啊?) – "How much does it cost?". If the price is high, your instinctive reaction should be "Tai-gwai-la!" (太貴啦!) – "That's very expensive!". This is the universal way to start a negotiation. The next step is to ask "Ping di mm dak ah?" (平啲得唔得呀?) – "Can it be cheaper?" or "Can you give me a discount?". Haggling should always be done with a smile and a playful attitude, never confrontational. If you're just browsing and the seller is very insistent, a useful phrase to politely get them to leave you alone is "Tai haa ye" (睇下嘢.) – "I'm just looking at things."

How to Deal with Problems

We hope you don't have them, but it's crucial to be prepared.

If you don't understand what someone is saying, say "Ngo m ming" (我唔明.) – "I don't understand." To find out if someone can help you in English, ask "Nei sik m sik gong Ying-man?" (你識唔識講英文?) – "Do you speak English?" In an emergency where you need urgent help, shout "Gau ming ah!" (救命呀!). And to express your basic needs, use "Ngo jiu" (我要) for "I want" and "Ngo m jiu" (我唔要) for "I don't want."

Carrying these phrases with you, perhaps jotted down on your phone, will make your trip to Hong Kong much richer and more rewarding. It will connect you with people in a way that English alone never could. The city will welcome you with open arms simply for trying. Have a great trip and good luck!