Greetings & Introductions
Learn to say hello, introduce yourself, and master basic polite expressions in Cantonese.
Saying Hello
The most common greeting in Cantonese is 你好 (nei5 hou2). Unlike English, Cantonese speakers don't typically use this with close friends — it's more formal. Among friends, people just start talking!
| Chinese | Jyutping | English |
|---|---|---|
| 你好 | nei5 hou2 | Hello |
| 早晨 | zou2 san4 | Good morning |
| 你好嗎 | nei5 hou2 maa3 | How are you? |
| 幾好 | gei2 hou2 | Pretty good |
In casual settings, 你好 can sound stiff. A simple nod or wave is fine among friends.
Introducing Yourself
To introduce yourself, use 我叫 (ngo5 giu3) followed by your name. If someone asks your name, they'll say 你叫咩名？
| Chinese | Jyutping | English |
|---|---|---|
| 我叫 | ngo5 giu3 | My name is / I am called |
| 你叫咩名？ | nei5 giu3 me1 meng2? | What is your name? |
| 我係 | ngo5 hai6 | I am |
| 認識你好高興 | jing6 sik1 nei5 hou2 gou1 hing3 | Nice to meet you |
Thank You & Sorry
Cantonese has two ways to say thank you. 多謝 (do1 ze6) is for gifts or services. 唔該 (m4 goi1) is for favors or when someone helps you — it also doubles as "excuse me".
| Chinese | Jyutping | English |
|---|---|---|
| 多謝 | do1 ze6 | Thank you (for gifts) |
| 唔該 | m4 goi1 | Thank you (for help) / Excuse me |
| 對唔住 | deoi3 m4 zyu6 | Sorry |
| 唔好意思 | m4 hou2 ji3 si1 | Excuse me / Sorry (mild) |
Rule of thumb: someone gives you a gift → 多謝; a waiter brings your food → 唔該; someone holds the door → 唔該.
Goodbye
The most common way to say goodbye is simply 拜拜 (baai1 baai3), borrowed from English. 再見 is more formal.
| Chinese | Jyutping | English |
|---|---|---|
| 拜拜 | baai1 baai3 | Bye bye |
| 再見 | zoi3 gin3 | Goodbye (formal) |
| 下次見 | haa6 ci3 gin3 | See you next time |
| 遲啲見 | ci4 di1 gin3 | See you later |