Cantonese For Everyone PDF

KEY TO PHONETIC SYMBOLS
Yale Romanization vs. Similar Pronunciation in U.K. English
Initial Consonants Finals Finals

Symbols Sound Symbols Sound
Symbols Sound •
b
a/aa 〜 father 1 see
suy
ch
H〜 but ik thicker*
bits
d
aai aisle im seem
sty
f
aak marker* in seen
for
aam af-m ing sins
g
aan aunt ip deeper*
Sw squad no equivalent
h aang it eater*
hall (uaan,t + n^ft)
bids (very aap sharper*
iu
•
J similar but aat starter* Finals
voiceless)
k kit
aau now Symbols Sound
kw quiet
ai fight 0 law
1 line
ak trucker* oi boy
am sum ok locker*
m my
an sun on lawn
n no
hans; ang rung ong Ions
ng
singer ap supper* ot sorter*
at butter* ou go
P pan
au shout
s see Finals
t tan Finals Symbols Sound
w west Symbols Sound U mood

e cherry ui ruin
y yes
ei day uk cooker*
Six
Tones Marks Pitch ek checker* un soon
high level (German:
isl 一 eng length
ung
(including achtung)
hif»h falling)
2nd
〆 Finals Ut footer*
high rising
Symbols Sound
mid level Finals
her
4th 'h low falling eu (French: neuf) Symbols Sound
5th "h low rising yu (French:
eui (French： deuil)
6lh h low level dessus)
euk jerk* (French:
yun
eun London une)
no equivalent yut (French:
------------------>L eung (“learning9’) chute)
no equivalent * non-aspirated at the end
|V〆5二
>3 ■,
eut (put (but shorter))
Cantonesefor Everyone
大家嘅廣東話
daaih ga ge Gwong Dung Wa
(Bun-CHing C^fOW
The Commercial Press

Cantonesefor Everyone
大家嘅廣東話
daaih ga ge Gwong Dung Wa
Author : (Bun-CHing CHOW
Cover Design : Chun-Lan Lau
Publisher : The Commercial Press (H.K.) Ltd.
8/F., Eastern Central Plaza, 3 Yiu Hing Rd.,
Shau Kei Wan, H.K.
http://www.commercialpress.com.hk
Printer : MAXWEN Digital Printing Ltd.
Unit2,7/F” Blk. B, Mai Hing Ind. Bldg.,
16-18 Hing Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Kin., H.K.
Edition : First edition Fourth Printing Aug. 2010
©2007 The Commercial Press (H.K.) Ltd.
ISBN 978 962 07 1824 3
All rights reserved. Copyright of the text, illustrations and photographs of this book
belongs to the relevant parties. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored
in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without prior
permission in writing from the copyright holder.

y? c^nowCedgements
I am grateful to all the following people who had contributed to the publication of this
book:
☆ John Quest for his input especially his suggestions for the First Unit and other
parts of the book.
☆ Monica 9/lagcase who proof read the manuscript and gave me valuable
suggestions and advice.

☆ My publisher, SHin-^Yee Cheung who trusted my ability and experience in the
field of Cantonese teaching and learning, and supported me during the period of
publication.
☆ Cfiui-!Man M/o for her hard work in typing and preparation of the manuscript.
☆ Jane J{ui Justin Lam& John Quest who assisted me with the sound recording.
☆ The reviewers and the Commercial Press editorial team for their time,
cooperation and graphic designs.
My gratitude also goes to my dear friends, several generations of students and
colleagues who have supported me throughout the years.
The preparation of any book entails an inevitable sacrifice in family life: I am very
grateful to my husband and two children - Wan-Yeung and Wan-Tung, because
without their patience and generous support, I would not have had the energy and
time to finish it.
(Bun-Cfiing Cfiow
February 2007, Hong Kong
This short course is meant for people who have no prior knowledge of Cantonese but
have a strong desire to learn and a need for its use as soon as possible. This book is
principally designed for newcomers to Hong Kong (especially international students)
who wish to overcome the language barrier that exists in their new living
environment.
The aim of the course is to introduce basic aspects of the Cantonese language, as well
as to teach common and useful Cantonese vocabulary, phrases and expressions that
can immediately be put to use in daily life.
The emphasis will be on the practical side of the language use, so as to meet
everyday’s need while residing in Hong Kong. In a relatively short period of time,
learners will grasp the most useful and practical phrases or expressions to make life
here easier and more enjoyable. In addition, there are sections on the culture and life
in Hong Kong that will hopefully help you in the transition stage.
Many people say that Cantonese is a difficult language to learn, but I believe that
given the right learning material and environment, it is no more difficult than any
other second language. I hope that this course will help in this regard.
(Bun-CHing Cfiow
University of Hong Kong
J{crw to Vse this (Book
This book consists of five units. Vnit 1 is an introduction to the Cantonese dialect. There
are 3 sections within the unit. Users are introduced to the language they are going to learn
and how to learn it in the first section. The second section “Cantonese Sound System”
describes how the sounds and tones of Cantonese should be pronounced accurately and how
to use Yale Romanization System to transcribe Cantonese. Learners will soon know that the
six tones are worthy of practicing over and over again. You are suggested to have a quick
look of this section first before going to the next section. You can always return to this
section to check up any sounds or tones in case of confusion. There is a table of “Key to
Phonetic Symbols” on the inside cover that can also help you to get used to Cantonese sound
system. The third section “Immediately Useful Expressions” provides learners practice
exercises to get a feel of speaking the Cantonese language. Try out the learning formula:
“Listen - Mimic - Practice- Use-Check” described in this unit to practice on the
expressions and sentences until you can grasp the sounds and tones. At this stage, don’t
worry too much on the structure of the sentences. You will enjoy speaking Cantonese
afterwards.
2‘‘Numerals，’ introduces the fundamental concepts of numbers and measure words of the
Cantonese language. The materials in this section will be used in the situational
conversations discussed in the following units. You may return to review the sections in this
unit from time to time when you encounter the special topics discussed in later units.
Vnits 3, 4& 5play an important role in helping learners develop oral communication skills
through situational dialogues, short speech, story, and questions and answers. The main
character, AmySmitH, a new comer to Hong Kong and her friends in these units help you to
memorize the converses and vocabularies that appeared in the text.
Vnit 3 consists of 4 lessons. This unit, discussed around the main theme “Arrival”，aims at
familiarizing students with basic sentence patterns and the basic needs after arrival in Hong
Kong.
Vnit 4 “Personal Information” consists of 4 lessons and meets the need of learners to make
new friends with local people. Students will be able to use Cantonese to deliver a short
speech to introduce themselves and make simple conversations with their new friends after
this unit.
WtJ “Essential Basic Conversation” covers 7 conversations on special topics of the

everyday life situations. Students will be encouraged to do role-play in order to familiarize
themselves with real occasions in daily life.
There are 15 lessons spread over units 3 to 5. “Learning Objectives” are listed at the
beginning of each lesson, which gives you an idea of what you are going to learn and for
checking if you have achieved these objectives after each lesson. The “Main Text” of each
lesson, either a dialogue or narrative, accompanied with English translations, provides
iii
QuickjR§ference Matrix
Learning Objectives FYI
• Lesson 1 Greeting at the airport
1• lo say “Hello” & “Welcome” (54) 1. Arriving in Hong Kong (57)
2. To indicate possession with “ge” (54) l. Naming in Chinese (57)
3. To address people with title (55) 1) Chinese family name first
4. To introduce oneself or someone using the verb “haih”（55) (57)
5. To give one’s name using the verb “giu”（56) 2) One-syllable & two-syllable
6. To suggest how you prefer to be addressed (56) family names (58)
3) Given names (58)
4) English translation of
Chinese names (58)
^ Lesson 2 You are here
1. To form plural personal pronouns with “deih” (63) 1. To and From the Airport (66)
2. To indicate “here”，“there” and “where”（63) 2. Hong Kong’s Major Urban
3. To ask and tell where one goes using the verb “heui” (64) Districts (67)
4. To ask and tell whereabouts using the verb llhaiM (64)
•- Lesson 3 Accommodation & check in
1• To ask about numbers (72) 1 • Accommodation (75)
2. To ask and tell where one lives (72) 2. Rooms & Facilities (76)
3. To tell where an event takes place (73)
4. To tell what one wants using 44scung yiu” (74)
5. To form an imperative sentence of suggestion with “li” (74)
籲 Lesson 4 Money exchange
1. lo indicate possession with the verb Uyauh,? & “m6uh” (80) 1. Currencies (83)
2. To connect two items with “tuhng (and)” (81) 1) Hong Kong currency (83)
3’ To express one s wish or desire to do something using “sfeung” 2) Other currencies (84)
2. Necessities (84)
4. To do money exchange (82)
5. To ask “how much” or “how manv”（82)
• Lesson 5 Self-introduction
1. To talk about one’s family (Intimate possession) (90) 1. Countries, People &
2. To know how to use Measure Words (90) Nationalities
3. To tell one’s nationality (91) 1) Names of countries (93)
4. To tell one’s age (Nominal Predicate) (91) 2) People (93)
5. To tell one’s major/subject of study (92) 3) Nationalities (94)
6. To tell one’s hobbies (92) 2. Major at University (95)
7. To ask “what” or “what kind of’ using “mat vfeh” (92) 3. Hobbies (95)
• Lesson 6 Getting to know a new friend
1. To ask for someone’s name (102) 1. Languages (106)
2. To use “mh” to indicate negation of a verb or adjective (102) 2. Skills (107)
3. To ask a Yes-no question (103) 3. Sports (107)
4. To ask and tell one’s know-how/ability with ‘Vik，’ (103)
5. To ask and tell where one comes from (104)
6. The elliptical question with “nb” at the end (104)
7. To express necessity or obligation to do something using “y iu”
(105)
• Lesson 7 My Chinese friend
1. To tell one’s occupation or working place (113) 1. Occupations (117)
2. To use the verb “gaau (teach)” (113) 2. Working places (118)
3. To know the function of “d6u” in a parallel situation (114)
4. To express one’s likes or dislikes (115)
5. To ask a Yes-no question with a disyllabic Ujung yi”（115)
6. To use “tihng” lo indicate doing something with someone
together (116)
7. To indicate how often an action occurs (116)
• Lesson 8 Chatting with a friend
1• To ask and tell when an event happens (123) 1. Common Activities (127)
2. To inquire about one’s occupation or working place (123) 2. Time Words (128)
3. To tell if someone is busy or not with adverb of degree (124)
4. To know the function of “d6u” expressing all-inclusive or no
exception (124)
5. To express that an action/activity is not necessary using 4tmh
saiM (125)
6. To ask and tell what one likes to do in one’s free time (125)
7. To state a continuous action or activity with “gan” (126)
8. To know how to respond to a compliment (126)
• Lesson 9 Looking for a place
1• To tell & ask the purpose of a motion/joumey (135) 1. Position Words (138)
2. To ask politely with ltcheng mahn” before a question (135) 2. Neighbourhood (139)
3. To express “There is...” and “There isn’t.■•” using wyauhM and
“m6uh，，（136)
4. To ask the existence of something in a certain place with “yauh
m6uh，’（137)
5. To ask where one can find something or a place using “b-in
douh yauh^ (137)
6. To know how to respond after being thanked for (137)
• Lesson 10 What is this
1• To greet someone according to the situation using “ah” (145) Breakfast in Hong Kong
2. To specify “this/these”，“that/those” and “which” with “n"i”， 1) Chinese style (148)
“gWb_m”（145) 2) Western style (148)
3. To ask and answer the question 4lwhat is this?” (146)
4. To call the name of something using “giu jouh” (146)
5. To express one’s feeling or thinking with “gok dak” (147)
6. To tell what one wants to try out (147)
• Lesson 11 Ordering food
1. To give an explanation of something using “fik haih” (153) 1. Drinks in Hong Kong style
2. To state what one wants when ordering food or buying things cafe (156)
using the verb “yiu”(153) 2. Adjectives (157)
3. To use an adjective to modify a noun (154)
4. To express the total amount using “yat guhng” (154)
5. To give choices to the addressee using “dihng haih” in a
question (154)
6. To know topicalization in Cantonese (155)
7. To make a polite request with “cheng” (155)
• Lesson 12 Having a dim-sum lunch
1. To indicate that something has not yet been completed by 1. Chinese tea (167)
“meih”（163) * 2. Dim-sum (168)
2. To indicate that something has been completed by “j6” (163)
3. To ask whether something has occurred or not (164)
4. To suggest to do something together using “a” at the end (164)
5. To treat or invite someone to something with “cheng” (165)
6. To ask someone’s agreement to your suggestion with 4thou mh
hou a?”（165)
7. To express the sense of “in addition to."” using ‘‘juhng...t-im’’
(166) •
8. To give an alternative in a statement with “waahk jfc” (166)
vu
_• Lesson 13 Buying and bargaining
1• lo request or invite the addressee to do as he/she pleases 1. Souvenirs in HK (179)
(175) 2. Colours (180)
2. To express whether something is worth it or worth doing 3. Sizes (180)
with t4dar(175)
3. To express a higher degree than is expected with “taai”
(176)
4. To state the comparative degree with “di” (176)
5. To seek approval or permission using the tag question
“dik ifih dkk a?，，（177) 。
6. To bargain and ask for discount (177)
7. To use the verb “bfei”（to pay; to give) (178)
8. To emphasize one’s gratitude using “saai”（178)
鲁 Lesson 14 Taking public transportation
1. To ask what kind of transportation one should take (186) 1. Transportation (189)
2. To ask and tell the method of moving from one place to 2. A Stop or Terminus (189)
another (186) 3. MTR Stations (190)
3. To ask “Do you know...?” (187)
4. To tell the route or terminus of transportation (187)
5. To inform the driver where to get off a car (188)
• Lesson 15 Finding your way
1• To ask how to carry out an action using udim y feung” 1. Directions (201)
(198) 2. Banks in Hong Kong (201)
2. To give instruction for finding one’s way (198) 3. Time-duration (202)
3. To coordinate/indicate a sequence of events with “y'lhn
hauh”(I99)
4. To ask how long it takes to do something using 4lgei
noih，，(199) ^
5. To slate Time-duration of an event (200)
6. To state the possibility or likelihood that something will
happen with “wiiih” (200)
viii
Vnit One
Introduction
1. Cantonese, the Language
2. Cantonese Sound System
3. Immediately Useful Expressions

Unit 1: Introduction
1. Cantonese, the Language
1. What is Cantonese?
1) A language spoken in “Canton”（the former English name for Guangzhou 廣州
City), or Guangdong 廣東 Province1.
2) One of the many major “dialects” of the Chinese language. (It belongs to the
“Yue 專” dialect. In China, Mandarin, also known as Putonghua 普通話，is

the official national language.)
3) Its written form shares a similar writing system of “characters” as other
Chinese dialects.
4) A “tonal” language - the meaning of the word depends on the tone used to
pronounce it.
5) There are various forms of Cantonese, with different accents in different
regions, e.g. Chungshan ^ Jj form, Xinhui 新會 form，etc.

6) As a colloquial language, Cantonese is full of slang and non-standard usage.
The language among the youth is rapidly evolving, and new slang and trendy
expressions are constantly emerging.*
Cantonese is not used in the whole Guangdong Province, but the accent in Guangzhou City was once
considered as the purest form of Cantonese. Note ihal in this book, Cantonese spoken in Hong Kong
is considered as me most common form of the language
Cantonese, the Language
2. Where is Cantonese used or spoken?

1) Guangzhou 廣州（or Canton), the capital city of Guangdong Province 廣東省
(a southern coastal province of China). The dialect spoken here was once
considered the home of the purest form of Cantonese.
2) Western Guangdong Province 廣東省，including the Pearl River Delta.
3) Southern half of Guangxi Province 廣西省，adjoining the province of
Guangdong to the west.
4) Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong 香港特別行政區一 the
common language of the majority of the ethnic Chinese population. Through
years of mass media and pop culture influence, Hong Kong has now become
the cultural center of Cantonese.

5) Special Administrative Region of Macau 澳門特別行政區
6) South-East Asia where Chinese communities have settled, such as Cambodia,
Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
7) Overseas “Chinatowns” in major cities around the world such as London, San
Francisco, New York, Vancouver, Toronto, Sydney, and many other places
around North America and Europe. Due to the migration of Cantonese
speakers from Hong Kong and the Guangdong area, Cantonese, not Mandarin,
is the dominant language in overseas Chinese communities.
If we include the overseas Chinese, there are over 70 million Cantonese speakers
worldwide. That makes it the 16th most widely/commonly-spoken language in
the world! (Source: Encyclopedia Britannica Online，2007)
3. What do Cantonese speakers call the language they speak? 0cd -toi
1) “Gw6ng Dung Wa 廣東話’’一 Guangdong speech; Guangdong Province
vernacular
2) “Gw6ng Jau W》廣州話” —Guangzhou speech; Guangzhou vernacular
3) “Yu h t YO h 粤語” 一 Yue language (Yue: another name for Guangdong Province)
4) “T6 hn g Wa 唐IS” - Tang speech (Tang: a dynasty at 618-907)
5) “Baahk Wa 白話”一 Plain speech (plain speech is differed from the speech officially
used in the imperial empire in ancient times)
6) C4Heung Gong Wa 香港話’’ 一 Hong Kong speech; Hong Kong Cantonese
4. What are the similarities A differences between Mandarin and Cantonese?
Cantonese and Mandarin (also known as Putonghua, the “common” language in
China) are similar in some ways but different in others.
1) They are both tonal languages - each syllable has a specific tone associated
with it and the meaning of the word can change with a different tone.
2) They share much of the same written script of characters. In Chinese, one
character represents one syllable. The majority of Cantonese and Mandarin
words are made up of two or more characters in combination.
3) Except for a number of special cases, Cantonese and Mandarin share much of
the same grammar in their language.
However, there are several key differences between Mandarin and Cantonese.
1) Firstly, Mandarin is both a spoken and written variety of Chinese, which is
used all across China, while Cantonese is generally considered a spoken
dialect only used in a specific region of southern China.
2) Secondly, Mandarin has an officially recognized phonetic transcription system
known as “Hanyu pinyin” that most educated people in China are able to
understand/use. For Cantonese, while many different romanization systems
are in use by foreigners, none of them is used commonly by native Cantonese
speakers.
3) Finally, Cantonese shares a similar writing system of “characters” as
traditional Chinese, but Hong Kong has kept what are called traditional
characters. Mainland China has been using a set of simplified characters
since the 1950s.
5. How essential is Cantonese in Hong Kong?

1) Cantonese is the mother tongue of probably 98% of Hong Kong’s Chinese
population. Although English is an essential subject in school, among many
local Chinese circle, English may not be readily understood.
2) Cantonese is the major language used on radio, TV, live theater and cinema,
popular songs and novels, cartoons and mass advertising, and some
newspapers as well.
3) In Hong Kong, Cantonese is the medium of instruction in most schools.
Children learn to read Chinese characters using standard Cantonese
pronunciation too.
2 Words are the smallest meaningful units of language, which can be used independently.
Cantonese, the Language
6. The advantages of knowing Cantonese in Hong Kong

1) Be able to communicate with local people.
2) Get your things done easier with Hong Kong people if you can speak
Cantonese.
3) Especially useful where English is rarely used, such as wet markets, dim-sum
restaurants, roadside stalls and the Outlying Islands.
4) Helps “break the ice” at parties, among your local friends, colleagues and
classmates, and will probably earn you respect for your efforts.
5) Makes life much easier and more enjoyable in Hong Kong. The local people
will certainly appreciate your trying to speak their language.
7. How to learn Cantonese

1) Join a Cantonese class and attend all the classes with good preparation.
2) Learn by yourself with the formula: Listen — Mimic - Practice - Use - Check
3) Take the recording with you and listen during your free time or while traveling
around.
4) Try to mimic out loud (several times) the local sounds and tones of the words
as closely as possible.
5) Study what you have learned and practice as often as possible.
6) Practice, practice, practice! Remember, “Practice makes perfect”.
7) Don’t be shy to make mistakes. Practice and use what you have learned at
every chance you get. “If you don’t use it, you won’t learn it.”
8) Check your new language with a teacher or a native speaker.
9) Keep your ears open and listen.
10) Be patient. Each individual has his/her own pace of learning. Just don’t give
up and persevere!
2. Cantonese Sound System
In this course, both Chinese script and alphabetic characters have been used to
represent the syllables of Cantonese. The phonetic transcription in alphabetic
characters (commonly referred to as romanization) provides an important tool for new
learners to acquire the sounds and tones of Cantonese, even though it is not generally
used by the native Cantonese speakers (who simply use the Chinese characters itself
to represent the language).
For the romanization, this course has adopted the Yale System to represent Cantonese
sound in alphabetic form, with certain modifications. The Chinese traditional
characters included in the course are mainly for readers of Chinese and native
Cantonese speakers; they demonstrate pronunciation to aid new learners.
Three important elements in the Cantonese syllable：

The basic characteristic of Cantonese pronunciation is that for each Chinese character
there is a single syllable associated with it. The syllable in Cantonese language
consists of three basic elements: initials, finals and tones.
1. Initial: The sound of consonant at the beginning of a syllable. There are 19
initials in all.
2. Final: The sound of the vowel sound plus final consonant, if any, at the end
of a syllable. There are 51 common finals in all.
3. Tone: The relative pitch, or variation of pitch, of a syllable. There are 6
tones in all.
Note: There are two nasal consonants that can stand-alone without a vowel. These
are consonants “m” & “ng”, which are called Syllabic Nasals.
The syllables are made up of various combinations of 19 initial consonant sounds
(initial) and 5】common vowels and vowel-consonant groups (final). In addition, a
fixed tone pattern of fixed length is superimposed onto each syllable (tone).
Note that some initials or finals can be used independently and do not need to be in
combination with others (see next topic: the combination of initial and final).
Note also that it is essential that the six tone patterns have to be mastered.
Cantonese Sound System
Let’s take “good morning” as an example for Cantonese syllable structure in Yale
romanization. The following two syllables form the phrase meaning “good
morning” in Cantonese: © CD -T02
-------tone mark for high rising pitch
j_oi\ (early)
丄丄
/ tone mark for low falling pitch
(“h”： tone mark for low tones)
s a] Ml (morning)
/
mm Ismmb
i \
■ ■ ■ ■ ■»»»
initial fi nal
The combinations of initial and final (syllables in Cantonese)
Element Pattern^ Example ® CD -T03
i. One central vowel V 6 (diarrhea); a (crow)

One central vowel & one semi-vowel 01 (love); ai {short in
2. v+v
(Diphthong) height)
3. One central vowel & final consonant v+c am (nunnery); uk {house)
One initial consonant & one central

4. c+v che (vehicle); fu {trousers)
vowel
One initial consonant & two vowels

5., c+v+v hou (goody, sei (four)
(Diphthong)
One initial consonant, one central

6. c+v+c yat (one); sahp (ten)
vowel & final consonant
7. Nasal consonant (Syllabic nasals) c mh (not)-, ngh {five)
*V = vowel; C = consonant
1. Initials ®cd -T04
We shall start with the initials of Cantonese syllables. There are 19 distinctive
initials and they can be divided into five groups as seen in the summary table below:
1. Non-aspirated 2. Aspirated 3. Voiced 1

4. Fricative & 5. Semi
Voiceless® Voiceless© Nasal© Continuant© vowel ©
b [p] (bo) P [Pi (B-O) m [m] (mo) f [f] (fo)
d [t] (da) t [th] (La) n [n] (na) 1[1] (la)
g [k] (£a) k [kh] (ka) ng [q] (n£.a) h [h] (ha)
gw [kw] (gw.o) kw [kwh] (kwo) w [w] (wo)
j [ts] (ie) ch [tsh] (che) s [s] (si) y [j] ㈣
Note: the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is shown in bracket [ ] for sounding
reference.
Group 1: Non-aspirated Voiceless ©CD-tos
There is no puff of air associated with the non-aspirated sound. In English these
non-aspirated consonants are normally found in the middle of words and are produced
in a non-aspirated manner. Note that in Cantonese the consonants “b”，“d”，“g”，“j”
and “gw” are voiceless - that is the vocal chords do not vibrate in producing these
consonants.
Pronounced similarly as Cantonese

Yale IPA Meaning in Cantonese
in the English word example ©
1) b [p] sny behng ^ sick
2) d [t] Sty daaih A big
3) g [k] sky £uih 攰 tired.
bids (very similar but

4) j [ts] 上6u早 early
voiceless)
gw [kw] squad. g^_ai 貴 expensive

5)
Group 2: Aspirated Voiceless ©CD -T06
This group is all aspirated. This means that the production of the sound is very
similar to Group 1 but there is a puff of air released after the sound. It is said that the
aspiration in Cantonese is generally stronger than in that of English.

1) [Ph] 2fin E^hng 平 cheap

p
2) t [th] tan tung 痛 painful
3) k [kh] kit kahn near, close
4) ch [tsh] bits chi h 遲 late
deficient
5) kw [k'vh] quiet kwai
(easy to get sick)
Group 3: Voiced Nasals ©CD -T07
This group of nasals is similar to those found in English and other languages and
therefore should be easy to reproduce. The only exception may be “ng” as an initial.
To pronounce the initial “ng”，make sure that the back of the tongue is against the soft
palate. It is said that the initial “ng” is similar to the Cign'y in the English ‘‘gnaw’，，e.g.
“ng6h’V" me) sounds very much like “gnaw”.

i) m [m] my muhn boring
2) n [n] no aaahn 難 difficult
3) ng [«3] hans; singer ngoh 我 I; me
Notes:
1. Some Cantonese speakers sound “1” for “n” for words with initial “n”，e.g. “nbih (you)"' is
pronounced as “lfeih，’• Generally speaking, both pronunciations are understood by people.
2. Some Cantonese speakers do not have “ng” as initial sound. Missing “ng，，as initial
sound in the pronunciation is considered as “lazy sounding’’，e.g. ungoh (/； we)” is
pronounced as “6h” instead of “ngbh ”•
3. The above mis-sounding should not be encouraged. It would become harder for these
people to learn other languages if they had less sounding repertoire in their native
language. Unfortunately, many Hong Kong native speakers are found to have these
“lazy sound” problem.
Group 4: Fricative and Continuants @cd to8
Fricatives are consonants produced by forcing air through a narrow channel made by
placing two articulators close together (Wikipedia 2007). A continuant is a sound
produced with an incomplete closure of the vocal tract (Crystal 1991). The
following initials are very likely to be similar to sounds in your own language. If
these sounds do not appear in your language, make sure you pay special attention to
their pronunciation here.

I) f [f] [or faai 快 fast
2) l [i] line ieng 靓 beautiful
3) h [h] hall h6u好 good
4) $ [s] see §_ai 細 small
Group 5: Semi-vowels as supplementary initials @cd -T09
This final group of initials is again likely to be very similar to sounds in English.
Listen to them carefully to see if there are any slight differences.

in the English word example ®
i) u] yes yih易 easy

y
2) W [w] west 五aaih壞 bad
10
2. Finals
This is the term commonly used to describe the remaining part of the Cantonese
syllable after the initial. It comprises of a central vowel combined with an optional
semi-vowel or consonant at the end of the syllable. There are eight main
transcriptions for the central vowel sounds, namely “a/aa〜、a〜，e, i, o, u，eu" and ^yuJ\
It is important to note that quite a number of vowels have a long and short version and
it is essential that learners can not only distinguish them but also practice and master
the nine short vowels indicated with a separately. Please refer to the Table of 51
Common Finals below for reference.
Table of 51 Common Finals
long short long short long short long short long short long short long
Ccmrol
\ vowel a/aa~ (a〜） e o u eu yu
Final\ [a:】 [B】 [e:l [):】 [u：] foe:] [y：l

endinfis^
~i aai ai >ei oi ui >eui
[}] [a：i] Pi] [ei] [3：i] [u：i] [ey]
~U aau au iu >OU
»>
[w] [a：u] [*U] [i：u] [ou]
~m aam am im
[m] [arm] [em] [i:m]
l：..
〜n aan an in on un >eun yun

<
[n] [a：n] Pn】 [i:n] 0：n] [u:n】 i [en] [y：n]
-ng aang ang eng >ing ong >ung eung

[n] [a:g] 内] _ [10] [Uq] [oe:g】
~P aap ap »P
[P] [a:p] [bp] [i:P]
i
〜t aat at it ot Ut >eut yut
[a：t] [*0 [>：t] p:t】 u:t] [y：t]
[l] i--
[et]
I >ik ok
~k aak ak ek >uk euk
[k] [a:k】 pk] [£：k] [Ik] p:k] _ [oe:k]
(Huang 1970; Matthews & Yip 1994 & Wikipedia 2007 )

本
The 51 finals can be divided into four groups as follows:
Group 1: Eight main vowels ©CD -Tio
Cantonese vowels have been noted for the emphatic movement of the lips and facial
muscles and may need extra practice to properly imitate the sounds accurately. You
may wish to slightly exaggerate your imitation of the vowels in the following vowel
drills. Note that in the Yale System “eu” and “y u” are considered as independent
vowels pronounced as [oe:] and [y:] with rounded lips (known as labialization).

g花. flower
1) a/aa~*** [a:] father !
s&an 山、 mountain
\
2) a〜 [el but san #4 ^ new
3) e [£：] cherry ch6車 a car

7
-i
4) i , [i：] see chi _ sticky
5) 0 M law 多 a lot; many
6) U > [u：] mood fu褲 trousers
7) eu [ce:] her (French: neufj heu |fb boot
8) yu . [y：] (French: dessus) sy<書 book
* Long vowel “a/aa~” is pronounced [a:]. In Yale System, when this sound is not
followed by a semi-vowel or consonant in the same syllable, the second “a” of the
<aa, is omitted in writing; fa (flower) is pronounced as if it were <faa[fa:j,.
** Short vowel “a” with a semi-vowel or final consonant is pronounced 卜].
(Huang 1970)
12
Group 2: Ten diphthongs ©CD -Til
Diphthongs are sounds consisting of a combination of two vowels. They are
commonly found in many other languages. The ten diphthongs in Cantonese are
made up of a central vowel sound as the first element and a semi-vowel either a “i” or
a “u’，at the end:
Central vowel + i (semi-vowel)
Central vowel + u (semi-vowel)
Please note that “a a i” has a long “a” and a weak “i”，while “a i” has a short “a” and a
strong “i”. When you are first learning to separate these two diphthongs, the shorter
“ai” should be pronounced with a tendency to close the mouth, while the longer “aai”
should be pronounced with the mouth open for longer. I would advise to exaggerate
these two diphthongs when learning so as to make a clearer distinction.
Please also pay careful attention to the indicated finals with short vowels.

Yale /PA Meaning in Cantonese
1) aai [a:i] aisle faai 快 fast
2) ai [叫 Mht sai細 small
3) > ei [ei] dq^_ nbih 你 you
4) oi [3：i] boy oi愛 love
5) ui tu：i] ruin guih 姑 tired •
6) > eui [ey] (French: deuil) keuih -fE he, she, him, her
7) aau [a:u] now maau 猫 cat
8) au M shout gau狗 dog
9) iu [i:u] f§}V siu少 few; a little
10) > ou [ou] go h6u好 good
13
Group 3: Seventeen finals ending in nasal consonant ©CD -T12

The following nasal endings are commonly found in English and other languages，but
for Mandarin speakers they may have difficulty with the “m” ending sound since this
sound does not exist in their native language. The more important distinction within
this group is between the final “n” and the similar sounding “ng”. Note also that
some native Cantonese speakers may also wrongly pronounce the final ng” as n”.
Again, some exaggeration of pronouncing at the beginning of the learning stage will
aid your mastering of these sounds.
Central vowel + m
Central vowel + n
Central vowel + ng
Pronounced similarly a s Cantonese

| [a:m] 1
1) aam saam 三 three '
)| am sim心 heart
2 sum 1 ；
3
I im
j D：m] seem dim點 1 how; 0 ’clock J
| [a:n]
aunt daan 早 a bill; singular
4, aan
| sun sSn新 new

5〕 an M
1 in
6) [i：n] seen gin見 1 meet; see |
| [n:n】 gdn乾
7) on lawn •—
1 [u：n] win碗
8) un soon | a bowl
l> eun '[en] | London seun 信

9) a letter
| yun (French: une) syiin 酸 sour |
10 [y：n]
ID aang [a：0J I no equivalent saang 生 rawt uncooked

r麵，，+ V，)
| ang j dkng 等
12) N] rung to wait for
length leng 覲 beautiful :

13) eng [e：0]
> ing ["}] sine sing 姓 j surname j

14)
( ong | g6ng 港
15) ㈣] long harbour \
H > ung N] (German: achtune) dung 凍 cold 1
no equivalent
eung I[ oe：rj] h8ung 香.
(somewhat like fragrant ,
“learning”、
14
Group 4: Seventeen finals with unreleased stops “p，t, k” © cd -Ti3
This is an essential final sound that many learners of Cantonese find difficult and it is
worth spending some time here to master this distinctive ending sound. Many
Cantonese syllables include the consonants “p” “t” or “k” but they are different from
many other languages in that they are unreleased, so there is no puff of air at the end
of the syllable. This sometimes leads to the three different final consonants
sounding similar if pronounced incorrectly so make sure you thoroughly practice
these three ending sounds.
Central vowel + p
Central vowel + t
Central vowel + k

Yale /PA in the English word but Meaning in Cantonese
non-aspirated at the end example ©
I) aap [a:p] sharper daap 搭 to ride
2) ap [eP] supper .sahp 十 ten
3) •P [i：p] deeper dip碟 a plate
4) aat [a:t] starter baat 八 eight
5) at [®t] butter chat 七 seven
6) it [i:t] eater yiht 熱 hot
7) ot m sorter hot渴 thirsty
8) ut [u：t] footer fut潤 wide

no equivalent cheut 出
9) > eut [et] (put (but short)) to go out
10) yut [y：t] (French: chute) yuht 月 moon; month
ID aak [a:k] marker baak 百 hundred
12) ak 卜k] trucker dak得 alright
13) ek [e:k] checker lek smart; capable
14) > ik [■k] thicker s"ik 識 to know
15) ok [3:1C] locker lohk 落 to descend
16) > uk [uk] cooker luhk 六 six
euk [oe:k] jil± geuk 腳 leg; foot

17)
15
Note that the py r, k group of finals are, in fact, similar to the previous corresponding
m，n，n8 group of finals because the tongue and lips are in the same positions for these
final sounds, i.e. the lips for “m” & “p” in “sim 心”（/rear?) and “sip 濕”（we，)，the
tongue tip for “n” & “t” in “yin 因”and “y&t —” (one), and the back of
tongue for “ng” & “k” in “liing (hole) and “liik 輪” (wheel), are same.
“~p”： for example “sahp 十”（7en), you need to close the lips to make the “p” sound,
but do not open them again that can cause a puff of air to be released.
“~t”： for example “y —” (one), make sure you form a regular “t” sound (which
you do normally just above the upper teeth) and do not produce a puff of air after
stopping the air stream.
“~k”: for example “luhk 六” (six), again just form a “k” consonant in the normal way
but remember not to aspirate the ending.
3. Syllabic consonants ”m" and Mng” ©CD-T14
In Cantonese, the sounds “m” and “ng” can form a syllable of their own.

Yale 1PA Meaning in Cantonese
sounds just like
I) m M mh °f- no; not
“mmh”
2) ng [D] hang ngh五 five
The syllabic consonant “m” is always used in the lowest tone (low falling tone)
indicating the negation of verbs or adjectives. The tone mark is marked above the
“m”. And “ng” is always used in low tones such as “ngh 吳(a Chinese surnamef’，
ungh 五厂 and “ngh 誤(mistaken)'、. The tone mark is marked above the “g”.
Note: The “ng” syllabic is often mispronounced as “m” by Hong Kong native speakers.
A tone is the relative pitch in the range of one’s voice. The syllabic tone in
Cantonese is an essential element of the language because a change of tone could
change the meaning of the word completely. It can cause many problems to new
language learners because the same vowels and consonants pronounced with different
tones can have six or seven different meanings. If you use the wrong tone, you are
probably saying a completely different word. It will seem odd at first that in order to
speak the language correctly you have to maintain, raise or drop the relative pitch of
your voice to produce the correct tone (it’s a bit like singing)，but after a little practice
and finding a comfortable tone range, you will discover it to become progressively
easier to do.
Traditionally there are seven different tones represented in the Yale System. The
first four are called Upper Tones while the remaining three are called Lower Tones.
In the Yale Romanization, the letter “h” appeared after the vowel or diphthong is used
to indicate the Lower Tones. You will soon see that the presence of the “h” does not
influence the pronunciation of the word but merely indicates that the syllable has a
Lower Tone.
In general most speakers of Cantonese no longer distinguish between High Level tones
and High Falling tones. Thus for this course I will only use High Level tone mark to
represent both High Level and High Falling tones, reducing the number of tones to six.
The following is a sketch illustrating the relative pitch curve of the six tones in
Cantonese: ©CD-T15
■■■
1. high level 2. high rising 3. mid level 4. low falling 5. low rising 6. low level
~ ►
! ^ ：
c=i-
i - : ；
Example © si si si s'lh sih sih

- ， r、！ ~~h―
Tone Marks
Note: The keyboard-like column on the lefl gives learners an idea about the range of relative pitch in Cantonese.
17
Let us follow each tone and see how it should be said and written in the Yale System:
The 1 tone is the high level tone. If you start your voice high-pitched and let it stay
more or less at the same high pitch throughout, that’s the high level tone. It is marked
with a macron ( ) above the first vowel, e.g. s-i 絲(silk), fin 分(minute).
The 2 tone is the high rising tone. It starts at a fairly low pitch and normally rises
above the pitch of the Is tone. It is marked with an acute accent ( ') above the first
vowel, e.g. s'l 原(feces), fin 粉（pow/erj.
The 3 tone is the mid level tone. It is a steady pitch around the middle tone of a
person s voice and is considered the comfortable tone of one’s voice. There is no
special mark to indicate this tone, e.g. si 試"巧)，fan 瞓(sleep).
The 4th tone is the low falling tone. This is the lowest tone among the six tones in
Cantonese. It starts from a medium pitch and falls to a fairly low pitch. It is
marked with a grave accent (') and the low tone indicator “h” directly after the vowel,
e.g. s'lh 匙(key), f^hn 墳(tomb).
The 5th tone is the low rising tone. It starts almost in the same pitch as the 2nd tone
but only rises to about the mid level tone (3rd). It is marked with an acute accent (")
and the letter “h” to indicate the lower tone, e.g. s"ih ^>(city), fahn 奮(work vigorously).
The 6th tone is a low level tone. It stays at a constant low pitch for the duration of
the syllable and has an “h” to indicate it is one of the low tones, e.g. sih 事(matter),
fahn 份(portion).
Note that in the Syllabic Nasals “m” and “ng”，which has no vowel letters, the tone
mark is written above the “m” and “g”，e.g. “niih 唔厂 and “n会h” 五(five).
As mentioned previously, if you change the tone of a syllable, you may also change its
meaning. Here is an example of this feature with the syllable “si” shown here with
all six tones. Note the difference in meaning from the change in tone.
Tone Pitch Example ©CD-T15

I
i High level tone si 絲 silk;詩 poem;良 corpse ;師 master
2 High rising tone si 屎 feces;义 history
3 Mid level tone si ;献 kill

試 try
4 Low falling tone s'lh 匙 key;時 time
Low rising tone sih 市 city; market
Low level tone sih 事 matter ;視 vision
18
Here are the numerals 0-10 in six tones for you to practice: ©CD -T16
Zero One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Ten
0 i 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1'ihng yat yih saam sei ngh luhk chat baat gau sahp
Remember these six numbers in order to help you get used to the six tones: © CD -T16
high level high rising mid level low falling low rising low level
3 9 4 0 5 2
saam gau sei 1'ihng ngh yih
Now let’s try to practice the following six tones one after another: ©CD -T17
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
high level high rising mid level low falling low rising low level
i) fa fu fu fuh fuh fuh
2) baai baai baai baaih baaih baaih
3) sam sam sam sahm sahm sahm
4) dang dang dang dahng dahng dahng
5) 10k luk luk luhk luhk luhk
6) saam 衫 m6u帽 fu裸 h圣aih鞋 y(ih 與 maht 襪
(clothes, hats, trousers, shoes and socks)
7) saam 三 (Tim 點 bun半 1 士ih °黎 ng6h 我 douh 度
(Come to my place at half-past three.)
8) fOn歡 hh喜 dou到 lauh 流 ngaahn目艮 leuih 淚
(7 am so happy that tears fall from my eyes.)
9) yat — wiin 碗 sai細 ngauh 牛 naahm 胁 mihn 麵
(One small bowl of noodles with beef brisket.)
10) chlng 清 ch6楚 saai 晒 mh唔 wiiih 會 mahn 問
(It is so clean nobody would ask.)
19
Note: The sounds of high，mid and low level tones depend on individuals and will be
different from people to people with higher or lower pitched voices. Therefore it is
important to first find your own mid level tone - a comfortable tone somewhere in the
mid range of your vocal pitch. Then establish a comfortable high tone. If it is too
high it will not only sound silly but will be uncomfortable to reproduce. Likewise
find a comfortable low tone that you can easily say and can be distinguished by
Cantonese speakers. Finally work on your pitch falls and rises: the low falling is
quite distinctive in how low it is. Then make sure that you have distinguished
between a high rising (with a more pronounced rise) and a low rising (not to rise so
high) tone. Establishing and being aware of your tones is a crucial part of the
Cantonese language learning so make sure you are able to distinguish and reproduce
all six tones well.
In most Cantonese dictionary or other romanization systems, numbers 1 - 6 are used

to indicate the six tones lsl - 6th as explained in this section. It is recommended that
you remember this six tones and their ordering, and type the numeral numbers 1 - 6
next to the romanized syllable to aid you recapturing its Cantonese tones.
20
3. Immediately Useful Expressions
Here are some very useful expressions for you to try out and this section will also let
you get used to the Yale Romanization System. As a beginner, all you need to know
is that each character will have a monosyllabic sound and tone. You will need to get
a native Cantonese speaker to say them aloud or listen to the recording and mimic
them properly.
1. Basic greetings @cd -tis
Cantonese English Equivalent

nei h hou. (slightly formal) Good day.
1.
你/ 好/。
you/ good/
Hello!
neih hou. (ru time meeting) How do you do!

2.
你/ 好/。
you/ good/ Hello!
Q： neih hou ma? How are you?
3.
你/ 好/ 嗎/ ?
you/ good/ FT/
A/： gei hou. yauh sam. Quite good, thanks for asking.
4.
幾/ 好/，有/ 心 /。
quite/ good/ have/ heart/
A2: hou hou.

5. (I'm) fine.
好/ 好/。
very/ good/
Aj： mah ma dei.

6. Just so-so.
麻麻喊/。
so-so/
A4： mh haih gei hou.

7. Not so good.
唔/ 係/ 幾/ 好/。
noU be/ quite/ good/
As: mh hou.
8. Not good.
唔/ 好/。
not/ good/
Wai! (between closer acquaintances) =Hi!

9.
喂/!
hey/ -Hey!
ha I6u! (informal) =Hello!

10.
哈佬/!
[sound transcription from English]
21
2. Everyday greetings ©cd -ti9

Morning jou saha.
-Good morning.
早/晨/。
early/ morning/
Night jou tau.

二 Good night.
早/抖/。
early/ rest/ -Sleep well.
3. Greetings around mealtimes ©cd -ti9

Afternoon Q： sihk jo faahn meih a? -Have you eaten yet?
食/咗/飯/ 未/呀/?
(around =(How’s It going?)
eat/ done/ rice/ yel/ PT/
mealtimes)
Aj： sihk jo la. -Yes, I’ve eaten.
食/咬/味j/。
eat/ done/ PT/
A2: meih a. =Not not yet.

未/ 呀/。
not yet/ PT/
Evening Q： sihk jo faahn meih a? -Have you eaten yet?

(around 食 /运 / •&/ 呀/?
mealtimes)
eat/ done/ rice/ yet/ PT/
=(How’s it going?)
4. Saying goodbye ® cd -T20

Leaving joi gill, (slightlyformal) =Goodbye.
再/見/。
=Until next time, goodbye.
again/see/
-See you!
baai baai. =Bye-bye.
拜拜/。
[sound transcription from English]
ting yaht gin. See you tomorrow.

聽曰/ 見/。
tomorrow/ see/
yat jahn gin. See you in a moment.

一陣/見/。 See you in a while.
one moment/ see/ See you later.
maahn maan haahng. Mind your step.
慢/ 行/。 Take care!
L s Jowly/ walk/ Mind how you go!
22
Immediately Useful Expressions
5. Useful expressions ©cd -T21

1. fun y'lhng! Welcome!
歡/ 迎/!
happy/ receive/
2. mh goi. Thank you (for a service).

唔/該/。 Excuse me，...(attracting attention, esp. when asking
not/ ought to/ somebody for assistance, etc.)
Please. ..(to make a request more politely)
3. do jeh. Thank you.

多/謝/。 (for a gift, invitation or a compliment, etc.)
many/ thanks/
4. mh sai haak hei. You ’re welcome.

唔/使/ 客氣/。 Don’t mention it.
no/ need/ polite/ Please don’t bother.
Please make yourself at home.
5. deui mh jyuh. (I’m) sorry! (quite serious)

對唔住/。 Excuse me!
sorry/
6. mh hou yi si. Sorry! (not so serious)

唔/ 好/意思/ » It's embarrassing.
not/ good/ meaning/ (also pronounced as "mh hou yi si,f)
7. mh gan yiu. Never mind.

哈/緊要/。
It’s all right.
not/ important/
Forget it.
Don’t worry.
8. mouh mahn taih. No problem.

冇/ 問題/。
have not/ problem/
9.
maaih daan! The bill!
埋/ 單/!
The check!
sum-up/ bill/
10. yauh lohk! I want to get off (from a vehicle).
有/ 落/! (As used in public light buses - minibuses)
have/ descend/
11. ni douh tihng (che). Stop (the car) here!
呢度/ 停/ (車）。
here/ slop/ car/
23
12. mh goi dang dang. Please wait (a moment).

唔該/等等/ 。
’also umh goi dang yat jahn”）
please/ wait a little/
13. mh goi je je. Please let me go through.
唔該/借借/。
Excuse me. (I want to get through.)
please/ lend a little/
14. mh goi faai di. Faster, please.
唔該/快/ 啲/ » Be quick, please.
please/ fast/ -er/
15. maih yuk，bei chin ngoh! Freeze (Don’t move)! Give me the money!
咪/ 郁/，俾/ 錢/我！ (in a robbery)
don’t/ move/, give/ money/ me/
16. gau mehng a! Help!!
救/命/ 呀/ ! (asking for help in a critical situation)
save/ life/ PT/
17. mh goi da gau gau gau!
Please dial 999! (for the police)
唔該/打/九/九/九/ ! Please call the police.
please/ hit/ nine/ nine/ nine/
18. ngoh mh ji. I don’t know.
我/ 唔/知/。
U noU know/
6. Classroom expressions @cd -T22
I { Cantonese } English Equivalent

|l- l(neih) yauh mouh mahn taih a?
丨你/ 有/ 冇/ 問題/呀/?
you/ have/ have not/ question / PT/ 卜一

(2. I(ngoh) yauh mahn taih.
- 我/ 有/ 問題/
I 1/ have/ question /
_
丨 -i
3. (ngoh) mouh mahn taih.
我/ 冇/ 問題/
1 [1/ have not/ question /
丨4. I(neih) m'lhng mh m'lhng a?
你/ 明/ 唔/ 明/呀/? !
I you/ clear/ not/ clear/ PT/ !
5. ngoh mh mihng. =/don’t understand.

我 /唔/明/。
1 jj/ not/ clear/ |
/
6. Dgoh mihng. L
我明/。
1 ju clear/ |
24
Immediately Useful Expressions
7. dak mh dak a? =Is that okay?

得/唔/ 得/呀/?
okay/ not/ okay/ FT/
8. dak, mouh mahn taih. -Okay, no problem.

得/ 冇/ 問題/。
okay/ have not/ question /
9. meih dak a. =Not yet.

未/ 得/呀/。
not yet/ okay/ PT/
10. mh goi joi gong yat chi a. =Please say it once more.
唔該/ 再/講/ 一次/吖/ »
please/ again/ say/ once/ PT
11. mh goi gong daaih seng d'l. =Please speak louder.

唔該/ 講/ 大聲啲/。
please/ say/ louder
12. mh goi gong maahn di. -Please speak slower.

唔該/ 講/ 慢啲/。
please/ say/ slower/
13. mh goi gong faai di. -Please speak faster.

唔該/ 講/ 快啲/。
please/ say/ faster/
14. mh goi gan ngoh gong. =Please repeat after me.

唔該/ 跟/ 我/ 講/。
please/ follow/ me/ say/
15. yat chaih gong. =Say it together.

一齊/ 講/。
together/ say/
16. hou hou. =Very good.

好/ 好/。
very/ good/
17. hah chi joi gin. =See you next time'

下/ 次/再/見/ »
below/ time/ again/see/
It is particularly important to seek advice and feedback on how well you are doing at
reproducing the correct tones in Cantonese. After some practice, try to find a native
Cantonese to try out your newly acquired tones. If they seem to understand what
you say then you are doing well. But if they do not seem to understand, then it could
either be a tone problem or the inaccuracy of the pronunciation. In this case, you
will need to pinpoint the problem and further practice to overcome it.
25
Vnit Two
^Numerals
In order to survive in Hong Kong, knowledge of numbers, the number system and
how numbers are used in Cantonese is very important. We will tackle all these
aspects in the following sections.
Remember, this is also a good opportunity to practice Cantonese sounds and tones
you have just learned, so try to pay attention to the accuracy of your pronunciation.
Also, the following sections include some fundamental concepts that may be different
from your own language, like the concept of measure words or how numbers are built
up in Cantonese. Try to spend some time understanding these sections and you will
find learning much easier later on in the course.
1. Cardinal Numerals (0 - i,ooo,ooo)
1. Single digit numbers (0-9) ©CD-T23
0 i 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
lihng yat yih saam sei ngh luhk chat baat gau
零一二三四五六七八九
Practice
My telephone number is•…
For example 2659-4713:
ngoh ge dihn wa haih yih, luhk, ngh, gau, sei, chat, yat, saam.
r -
.
j 9534-2095; 2859-1010; f
8971-2507; 9500-2468;
2. Building up numbers from 10 to 19 ®CD -T24
-sahp 十 10 Ten
多ahp少at 十一 10+1 Eleven
sahp yih 十二 10+2 Twelve
âhp saam 十三 10+3 Thirteen
sahp sei 十四 10+4 Fourteen
sahp ngh 十五 10+5 Fifteen
sahp luhk 十六 10+6 Sixteen
sabp chat 十七 10+7 Seventeen
sahp baat 十八 10+8 Eighteen
sahp gau 十九 10+9 Nineteen
Cardinal Numerals
3. Building up numbers from 20 to 99

20 is “two ten’’，i.e. y ih sahp 二十 in Cantonese, therefore 21 is “two ten one”，
yih sahp yat 二十一，22 is “two ten two，’，yih sahp yih 二十二，30 is
“three ten’’，saam sahp 三十，and so on.
4. Abbreviations of “〜sahp〜” ©CD -T25
a) The two-digit numbers are abbreviated in informal speech, especially in
quoting prices, “yih sahp + Numerar (twenty + something) are often
contracted to “yah + Numerar or “yeh + Numerar： ®

22 yih sahp yih => yah yih; yeh yih
24 yih sahp => yah sei; yeh sei
b) “saam sahp + Numerar {thirty + something) are often contracted to
“sa ah + Numeral”： ®
35 saam sahp ngh => sa ah ngh
38 saam sahp baat => sa ah baat
c) Similarly, in numbers from 40 onwards, the word “sahp” {ten) is reduced to

“ah”： @
46 sei sahp luhk => sei ah luhk
59 ngh sahp gau => ngh ah gau
83 baat sahp saam => baat ah saam
5. Numerals indicating hundreds “baak 百” @cd-T26
yat baak 1 x 100 one hundred

yih baak 2x 100 two hundred
saam baak 3 x 100 three hundred
sei baak 4x 100 four hundred
ngh baak 5x 100 five hundred
luhk baak 6 x 100 six hundred
chat baak x 100 seven hundred
baatbaak 8 x 100 eight hundred
\^gau baak 9 x 100 nine hundred
29
Unit 2: Numerals
6. Building up numbers from 101 to 999 ©CD -T27
yat baak 1'ihng yat lx 100 + 0+1 101

yih baak yih sahp yih 2 x 100 + 20 + 2 222
ngh baak luhk sahp chat 5 x 100 + 60 + 7 567
chat baak saam sahp 7 x 100 + 30 730
baat baak baat sahp baat 8 x 100 + 80 + 8 888
,gau baak gau sahp gau 9x100 + 99 999
7. Counting thousands and above ©CD -T28
In Chinese, uch"in 千” is used to indicate thousands and there is an additional
unit “maahn 萬’’ to indicate ten thousand.
Here is a chart to show the Chinese counting system: ©
(ten thousands)
maahn 萬 (thousands)
ch]n 千 (hundreds)
baak 百 (tens)
sahp 十 (ones)
go個
9 8, 7 6 5
(=Ninety-eight thousand seven hundred and sixty-five)
Above “maahii 萬” (10,000), the Chinese system counts up to ten “maahn 萬”
(100,000), hundred “maahri 萬”（1,000,000), and a thousand “maahn 萬”
(10,000,000). The next higher count, a “maahn 萬” “maahn 萬” is denoted
by a new unit “yik 億”（K)0,000,000). See chart below: @
(100 millions) (10 millions)

yik chin (maahn) (millions)
(辱）千（萬）baak (maahn) (100 thousands)
百（萬）sahp (maahn) (10thousands)
(萬） maatrn
9 8 ■ • " 7, 6 5(0,000)
(=Nine hundred eighty- seven million and six hundred & fifty thousand)
30
Cardinal Numerals
8. Numbers with special meaning, lucky and taboo numbers:

To the Chinese, many numbers are endowed with positive or negative (or both)
connotations. Here are some numbers that rhyme with special meaning:
0 llhng n、ihn 年 year

1 y at yaht 曰 day
2 yih yih易 easy
3 saam saang 生 alive, born
4 sei sei死 die, death
5 ngh mh唔 not, no
6 luhk louh 路 road, way
7 chat s 云t 失 to lose; to die
8 baat fa a t 發 prosper, make money
9 gau cheuhng gau A. long lasting, long life
10 sahp sahp chyuhn sahp meih perfect
十全十美
saht 實 definitely; certainly
Lucky numbers for the vehicle license number plate: ©CD -T29
18 saht faat sure to prosper
28 yih faat easy to prosper
118 yaht yaht faat make money everyday
168 yat louh faat prosper all the way
328 saang yi faat business makes money
9888 gau faat faat faat long & endless prosperity
Taboo numbers: © CD -T30

4 sei to die
14 sahtsei surely die
24 yih sei easy to die
164 yat louh sei die all the way
5354 mh saam mh sei neither one thing nor the other;
(not solid，bad or messy)
5354 mh saang mh sei neither dead nor alive
9394 gaau saam gaau sei a man having an affair;
to make trouble
Choose an auspicious registration number for your car and explain why it is a
good choice for you.
31
Unit 2: Numerals
2. Ordinal Numbers
When a cardinal number is preceded by “daih 第”，it becomes ordinal. ® CD -T31
daih 第 + Number
daih yat 第一 the first

daih yih 第二 the second
daih saam 第三 the third
daih... 第… (...and so on)
daih gei? 第幾？ what rank?
These ordinal numbers can be placed before a measure word (MW) and noun (N) as a
modifier.
daih 第 + Number + MW + N
daih yat go (yahn) 第一個(人） the first one (person)

daih yih ga (che) 第二架(車） the second one (vehicle)
daih saam gaan (fong) 第三間(房） the third one (room)
daih gei + MWl 第幾+MW? what rank?
_____ J
wmmmmmmk
Practice
Read out the following ordinal numbers in Cantonese,
e.g. 12th = daih sahp yih
3rd 2nd 4th
10th 50,h which rank?
Listen to your teacher and write down the ordinal numbers.
eg. 5th ( daih ngh ) __________ ( )

3. Traditional Signs for Numbers
These signs are usually used for showing prices in market, restaurant or sometimes
minibus.
o [ 丨丨 IH
乂 6 十
Traditional signs
(一） (二） (三）
Chinese characters 零六九十
一二三四五七八
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
In written Chinese, we write the digits and the units of money as follows:
角gok
千 chin 百 baak 十 sahp 元 yuhn 分Gn
/毫 houh '
thousands hundreds tens dollars ten cents one cent
Writing and Reading Order: from left to right, top to bottom.
is, 3rd 5,h

top row for numbers:
2nd 4th 6th
bottom row for digits & units:
E.g. a) 1丨三 b) m— c) 乂 6
元元元
($2. 30) ($3.10) ($4.50)
d) e) 士乂 f)女
十元十元十元
($56. 00) ($74.00) ($95.00)
g)主oin h) i女乂 i)三dOi
百十元百十元千百十元

($803. 00) ($694.00) ($3,507.00)
Note that the small units of money like “ten-cent” or “one-cent” is omitted.
33
Unit 2: Numerals
4. Money
The currency in Hong Kong is the HKS, which is pegged to the US$ at a fixed rate of
HK$7.80=US$1. The bank notes in circulation are in the following denominations:
$1,000, $500, $100, $50, $20, $10. Coins can be found in units of $10, $5, $2, $1，
50C，20C and 10々. Several local banks have the authority to issue bank notes so
there are more than one design for each denomination. The Hong Kong Monetary
Authority issues the HK$10 note, while all the other notes are issued either by HSBC,
Bank of China or Standard Chartered Bank, (also see p.83)
1. Dollars
In Hong Kong currency, the basic unit of money 4<chin 錢” is uman 蚊(dollars)”.
This unit is also used as a measure word, so when you want to say an amount of
money, just include uman 蚊” after the numerical value.
numerical value + man H
For example: ©CD -T32

1) yat man SI
2) leuhng man1 $2
3) sahp man $10
4) sahp yih man $12
5) yat baak man $100
6) yat chin man $1,000
7) yat maahn man $10,000
8) sahp maahn man $100,000
9) yat baak maahn man $1,000,000
mrnmmmm
Practice Read out the amounts of money given below.
For example: $350 = saam baak ngh sahp man
1 In Cantonese, there are two distinct words: “yih” and “lfeuhng” meaning “two”, “yih” is used m
counting and in compound numbers such as “yih sahp (twenty)’’ and uyih baak (two hundred)’’，etc
while “Ifeuhng” is used to quantify nouns such as Uleuhng man (two dollars)” and Uleuhng g°
yahn (two persons)”，etc. (also see p.46)
Money
2. Ten-cent units ©CD-T33

In Hong Kong currency, a smaller unit of money than the dollar (man 蚊）is
t4houh ji 毫子”，which is a ten-cent unit (similar to the US “dime”). One ^man

蚊” is equal to ten “h6uh ji 毫子In colloquial speech, the shorter form
4<houh 毫” is commonly used. This unit is also a measure word by itself.
1-9 + hduh 毫
E.g. @ -------------------------------
1) yat houh (ji) ten cents 10(1：

2) leuhng1 houh (jl) twenty cents 20(t
3) ngh houh (ji) fifty cents 500
4) gau houh (ji) ninety cents 900
3. Dollars & ten-cent units ©CD -T34
a) Using “go個” instead of uman 蚊”：

When a figure involves both dollars and ten-cent units, “go個” is used instead
of 4'man 蚊，’ for dollars and uhouh 毫” may be omitted in speech. Also, “yih
二” is used for 2 ten-cent units and “bun 半（Tza//)” is used for 5 ten-cent (i.e.
half dollar) units in such cases.
figure of dollars + go個 + figure of ten-cents

E.g. ©
i) saam go sei houh (j’l) S3. 40
2) sahp yih go saam $12.30
3) gau ah gau go gau houh fj4) $99.90
4) sei go bun2 $4.50
5) leuhng1 go yih $2.20
b) Omission of <4y At” in one dollar and something

Usually, a local speaker will drop the “yat” in the case of a single dollar
amount followed by multiple ten-cent units.
+ go + figure of ten-cents
1) y-a4- go chat $1.70
2) y^r go yih $1.20
3) y-a+ go bun2 $1.50
The word “bun 半” (half) is used for half a dollar (50 cents) in a multi-unit monetary expression.
35
Unit 2: Numerals
4. Asking for the price ©CD -T35
Q： gei (do) chin a?

gei chin a?
幾（多)錢/呀？
how much money/ PT
| = How much is it? (Answer: a price)
Q: dim maaih a?
點/賣/ 呀？
how/ to sell/ PT
j = How much is it? (Answer: a unit or measurement and a price)
5. To state the price for a quantity of things
In Cantonese, no verb-to-be is required in a positive statement telling the price.
[Nu. + MW.] + Price$

Things +
/ Price $ + [Nu. + MW.]
heung jiu yat tiuh leuhng man

香蕉一條兩蚊
chaang saam man (yat)* go

燈三蚊一個
*Note: The number “yat” can be omitted when the price is for one item only.
choi 菜(MW.gh 斤） gau 狗(MW:jek 隻） yu 魚(MW:tiuh 條)
36
5. Date
To be able to say and understand the day, date, month and year in Cantonese is a
useful skill to acquire. For example “What day are you free for lunch?” or “What
year were you bom?，’ are very common questions that you may be asked. In this
section you will learn the order of how to say the date in Cantonese, as well as learn
how to ask some useful questions.
1. Year: To state a certain year, read off the year number digit by digit and put
“n'lhn 年(year)99 at the end. ©CD-T36
? ? ? ? + n'lhn 年
yat luhk llhng 1'ihng nihn 一六OO年 the year 1600

y at gau sei y at ni hn 一九四一年 the year 1941
y at gau gau chat ni hn 一九九七年 the year 1997
yih lihng 1'ihng baat nlhn 二OO八年 the year 2008
To ask for the year: ©
E.g. 1) gam n'lhn haih gei do nihn a?今年係幾多年呀？

(What year is it now?)
2) neih bl n ni hn leih Heung Gong ga?你邊年p黎香港峰？

(Which year did you come to Hong Kong?)
2. Month: Naming months is easy in Cantonese: the twelve months are referred to
by their ordinal numbers，followed by the word “yuht 月(month)”. ©CD -T37
/ - k July 、
yat yuht 一月 January chat yuht 七月
yih yuht 二月 February baat yuht 八月 August
saam yuht 三月 March gau yuht 九月 September
sei yuht 四月 April sahp yuht 十月 October
ngh yuht 五月 May sahp yatyuht H—月 November
luhk yuht 六月 June sahp yih yuht 十二月 December
37
Unit 2: Numerak
To ask for the month: ©
E.g. 1) yih ga haih gei do yuht a?而家係幾多月呀？
yih ga haih gbi yuht a?而家係幾月呀？

(What month is this?)
2)neih gîyuht saang yaht ga?你幾月生日啦？
neih bln go yuht saang yaht ga?你邊個月生日碟？

(Which month is your birthday?)
3. Days of the month: When referring to a day in a month, either “houh 號

{numbery' or “yaht 曰is used as an indicator, and placed after the
appropriate number (date: 1-31). “houh 號’’ is more often used in the spoken
language than “yaht 日”.©CD-T38
1-31 houh 號 / yaht 日
yathouh 一號 1st day of the month

yih houh 二號 2nd day of the month
saam houh 三號 3rd day of the month
yih sahp gau houh 二十九號 29th day of the month
saam sahp houh 三十號 30th day of the month
^saam sahp yat houh 三十-號 31st day of the month
To ask for the date: ©
E.g. 1) gam yaht haih gei do houh a?今日係幾多號呀？
gam yaht haih geihouh a?今日係幾號呀？

(What day of the month is it today?)
2) neih gei houh saang yaht ga?你幾號生日喋？
neih blnyaht saang yaht ga?你邊日生日嗓？
(Which day of the month is your birthday?)
4. Days of the week: In Chinese, a week begins on Monday and ends on Sunday.
The days of the week from Monday to Saturday are expressed by “sing k6ih 星
期(week) or ulaih baai 禮拜”（week; religious service) followed by the

numbers one to six. Sunday is suffixed with the word “yaht 日” (day; sun).
Be careful of the similar pronunciation of Sunday and Monday in Cantonese
which is distinguished by only a tone difference. ® CD -T39
sing kSih 星期 + 1 〜6
I laih baai 禮拜 + 1 〜6
38
Dates
sing keih yat 星期一 laih baai yat 禮拜一 Monday

sing keih yih 星期二 laih baai yih 禮拜二 Tuesday
sing keih saam 星期三 laih baai saam 禮拜三 Wednesday
sl ng keih sei 星期四 laih baai sei 禮拜四 Thursday
sing keih ngh 星期五 laih baai ngh 禮拜五 Friday
sing keih luhk 星期六 laih baai luhk 禮拜六 Saturday
sing keih yaht 星期曰 laih baai yaht 禮拜曰 Sunday
To ask for the day of week: ©

E.g. l)gam yaht haih sing keih gei a?今日係星期幾呀？
gam yaht haih laih baai gei a?今曰4系禮拜幾呀"？

(Which day of the week is it today?)
2) neih bln go sing keih fong ga a?你邊個星期放假呀？
neih bln go laih baai fong ga a?你邊個禮拜放假呀？
(Which week are you on holiday?)
5. Word order of date indicators: In Cantonese, the order of dates is the reverse of
the English format, beginning with the year and ending with the day. The
specification of a date follows the general principle: the larger unit comes before
the smaller unit.
nihn -- yuht - houh/yaht — sing keih/laih baai
year month date day of week
For example: Friday, 31s' October 2008

vih lihng Pihng baat nihn saho vuht saam saho vat houh sing keih neh
二 o o 八年十月三十一號星期五
Practice
Say the following dates in Cantonese.
16th January
25th December
Sunday, 1st April
Monday, 9th June
Wednesday, 8th March, 2006
Saturday，26th August, 2101
39
Unit 2: Numerals
6. How to ask for specific dates: ©CD -T40
1) gam nihn haih gei (do) nihn a?

今年/係/ 幾（多）年/呀？
this year/ is/ what year/ PT
=What year is it now?
2) y、ih ga haih gei (do) yuht a?

而家/係/幾（多）月/呀？
now/ is/ what month/ PT
-What month is this?
3) gam yaht haih gei (do) houh a?

今曰/係/ 幾（多）號/呀？
today/ is/ what number/ PT
=What day of the month is it today?
4) gam yaht haih sing keih gei a?

今曰/係/ 星期/幾/呀？
today/ is/ week/ how many/ PT
=What day of the week is it today?
5) gam yaht haih gei yuht gei houh a?

今曰/係/ 幾月/幾號/呀？
today/ is/ what month / what number / PT
-What is today's date?
6) gam yaht haih gei yuht gei houh sing keih gei a?
今曰/ 係/幾月/ 幾號/星期幾/呀？
today/ is/ what month/ what number/ what day of week/ PT
=What is the day and date today?
Practice
Use the calendar of this year to ask and answer the following questions in Cantonese.
1. What day of the month is it today?
2. What day of the week is it today?
3. What is today’s date?
4. What is the date of next (hah yat go下一個）Sunday?
5. What day of the week is your birthday this year?
6. What day of the week is Christmas (sing daan jit 聖誕節）this year?
7. What day of the week is next New Year (san nihn 新年）？
8. What year is i t next year (c h e u t ni h n 出年)？
40
6. Clock Time
The pace in Hong Kong is fast and everybody seems busy. Hong Kong people make
the most of their time and they both work and play hard. Offices normally open at
9a.m. and close at 5 or 5:30p.m., but many people work late into the evening. After
work, some spend their leisure time playing mahjong, karaoke or sports, but many go
on continuing education like learning foreign languages or musical instruments.
With so many people on a busy schedule, it is useful to know how to say the time of
the day in Cantonese.
1. Hour
To say the time in hours, read off the number of the hour hand and put “d’lm 黑占
(doty at the end. Note that a more complete way of saying the time is “(Ti m
jung 點鐘’’ but the shorter version “dim 點’’ is the one you are more likely to
hear.
For example: © CD -T4i
♦Note that for “two o’clock”，the numeral is always “Ifeuhng 兩” and never “y ih 二”•
Practice
^rr- 一 ■-」
Write and read out the following times in Cantonese, e.g. 10 o’clock = sahp dl m
41
Unit 2: Numerals
2. Exact minute
The Cantonese for minute is 4<fan 分”• The format is straightforward: after
saying the hour, say the number of minutes followed by ufan 分
1-12 dim 點： 0-59 fin 分
E.g. ©CD-T42
10:09 A.M. ‘
1 ;：
/ .......................
seuhng ngh (/seuhng jau) sahp (Tim Hhng gau fan
Here are some more examples of minute times:
:01 lihng yat fan :02 lihng yih* fan :03 lihng saam fan
:04 lihng sei fan :05 lihng ngh fan :06 lihng luhk fan
:07 lihng chat fan :08 1'ihng baat fan :09 lihng gau fan
:10 sahp fan :20 yih sahp fan :30 saam sahp fan
:40 sei sahp fan ••50 ngh sahp fan :59 ngh sahp gau fan
*Note that for "Xo'clock and two minutes,” it is always "X dim lihng yih fan", and
neverUX dim lihng Ieuhng fan".
Read out the following times in hours and exact minutes in Cantonese.
E.g. 10:15 = sahp dim sahp ngh fan
42
Clock Time
3. Hour & 5-minute unit

A convenient and commonly used way to say the time is to use the 5-minute units
on a clock face. After saying the hour, just follow it with numbers 1-5 or 7-11
where the minute hand is pointing to. The exception is 6 and 12. 12 is not used
since it is o’clock time. When the minute hand strikes 6, the word “bun 半”，
meaning “half ’ of the o’clock is used.
E.g. 0CD-T43
Practice
Read out the following times in hours and 5-minute units in Cantonese.
E.g. 8:15 = baat dim saam

2:40 = 7:30 =
5:55 = 11:00：
1:05 = 3:37 =
4. Clock time & the time of the day @CD -T44

Sometimes people want to be more specific about the time of the day, so they put
a specific term “seuhng jau 上畫（for a.m.)’，or “hah jau 下畫（for p.m.)’’
before (not after) the clock time. Here are some more examples:
AM. seuhng jau 上畫/seulmg n|h 上午（1-11+dim 點）

Noon jung ngh 中午 (12 + dim 點）
P.M. hah jau下畫/hah n会h下午 (1-11 + dim 點）
Midnight ngh yeh午夜 (12 + dim 點）
jlu tauh jou aanjau yeh maahn

朝頭早晏畫夜晚
(in the morning) (in the afternoon) (in the evening)
43
Unit 2: Numerals
Practice
Read out the time of the day in Cantonese:
2:15 in the afternoon = aan iau leuhng d’lm saam
6:12 in the morning =___________________________________
8:30 in the evening =___________________________________
4:00 in the afternoon =___________________________________
10:20 a.m. =___________________________________
9:45 p.m. =__________________________________
5. How to ask and tell the current time ©CD -T45
Q: yih ga gei do dim jung a?

yih ga gei do dim a?
yih ga gei dim jung a?
yih ga gei dim a? (the shortest version is more often used)
而家/幾（多）點(鐘)/呀？
now/ what time/ PT
=What time is it now?
A: yih ga (haih)* + o’clock.

而家/ (係）
now/ is
=It's now___ (o’clock).
氺Note that the verb “haih” is unnecessary except when the speaker wants to emphasize the current time.
Practice
Practice with your teacher or classmates with the following times.
aan jau saam dim sahp = 3:50 p.m.
jiu tauh jou gau dim saam sahp saam fan =__________
yeh maahn baat d\m bun =__________
hah jau ngh dim sahp yat =__________
seuhng jau sei cTim chat =__________
yeh maahn sahp dim yih sahp baat fan =__________
jung ngh sahp yih cTim bun =__________
ngh yeh sahp yih dim lihng ngh fan =__________
44
7. Counting Things with Measure Words
In Cantonese, when nouns are counted or its quantity made specific, a Measure Word
must be included. Different types of nouns usually have different measure words.
This concept may be new to some foreigners and can present some difficulties to them
at the beginning, but it is wise to spend some time to grasp this fundamental concept
of Chinese early on.
Note: in English, some of the nouns have measure words similar to Cantonese, e.g. a
bunch of grapes, a piece of string, a sheet of paper, a bowl of sugar, a cup of tea, etc.
1. Measure words/Classifiers
Measure words are words that express a unit of things or actions. They serve to
sort nouns into semantic classes of objects (indicating meaning), and is also
known as ‘classifiers’.
Measure words are based on distinctive features of shape, size, nature or function.
They may also demonstrate some kind of properties that accounts for its use with
certain types of objects. Every noun in Cantonese has its own specific measure
word, which should be learned together with the word. Sometimes there are two
or more alternative measure words for the same noun.
Here are some common measure words: ©CD -T46

1) go 個 for persons; round objects; abstract things, such as questions or ideas
2) ga 架 for vehicles; machines, e.g. cars，airplane.
3) gihn 件 for upper body items of clothing, e.g. shirt, coat.
4) gaan 間 for buildings; houses; rooms '
5) bun 本 for books;- magazines
6) jek 隻 for most animals; ships; one of a pair
7) deui 對 for a pair of objects, such as shoes，hands, chopsticks
8) tiuh 條 for streets or things that are long and narrow
9) jeung 張 for paper; cards; objects with a flat surface, such as chairs, tables, etc.
10) jj 枝 for objects that are cylindrical, rigid, long and thin, e.g. pens, cigarettes
11) bui 杯 literally a “cup'for the quantity of something that a cup will hold
12) wun 碗 literally a “bowl”，for quantity of something that a bowl will hold
13) dihp；碟 literally a "plate" ,for quantity of something that a plate will hold
14) gun 罐 literally a “can” tfor quantity of something that a can will hold
15) fahn 份 for objects in a set, such as documents, newspapers; a sandwich or a job
45
Unit 2: Numerals
2. Number of objects
A measure word (MW) helps describe the quantity and quality (such as distinctive
features of shape, natural kind and function) of a noun in counting. A number
alone usually cannot function enough as an attributive and must be combined with
a measure word inserted between the cardinal number and the noun it modifies.
Numeral + Measure Word + Noun/Nominal phrase
For example: ©CD -T47
v/yat go yahn 一個人 one person

yat ga che 一架車 one vehicle
v yat gihn âam 一件衫 one piece of clothing
yat gaan fong 一間房 one room
yat bun syu 一本書 one book
^yyat^^gau . —隻狗
one dog
\/yat deui haaih 一對鞋 one pair of shoes
v Aât tiuh fu' 一條褲 one (pair of) trousers
• *•
.Jy'^ ieung Ji 一張紙 one sheet ofpaper
y/yat ilbaT^ 一枝筆 one pen^
〆 yat bui iau 一杯酒 one glass (cup) of wine
vat wun faahn 一碗飯 one bowl of rice
yat dihp choi 一碟菜 one plate of vegetables
yat gun ho lohk —罐可樂 one can of coke
yat fahn saam mahn jih 一份三文治 one sandwich
The measure word “go個’’ is the commonest and most neutral in Cantonese. It is
used with all noun words denoting people as well as individual items which do not
call for a specific measure word. Thus abstract nouns, which refer to non-concrete
entities lacking physical features, generally take “go個’’ as their measure word.
If there is any doubt about what specific measure word to use for a noun, it is
usually safe to use “go個” (you may be corrected if you are obviously wrong).
3. Counting things in twos

Both yih 一 and i6uhng 兩” mean “Aw”. When the number “two” is used
before a measure word (or before a noun), Ulbuhng 兩” is normally used instead
of uyih 二”,asin“l6uhnggoyahn 兩個人But with numbers
larger than ten (12,20, 22,32 etc.), “y ih 二” is used always, as in “sahp y ih go
yahn 十二個人” (twelvepersons).
46
Counting Things with Measure Words
Practice
Try to figure out what measure words should be used for the following items and
count them with the given numbers.
kaat
47
Vnit ^Three
JirrivaC
Lesson 1. Greeting at the airport
Lesson 2. You are here
Lesson 3. Accommodation & check-in
Lesson 4. Money exchange

m
keih ta yahn mat 其他人物：
di k si si gei 的士司機
jip doih yuhn 接待員
sau ngan yuhn >1 ■員
sauh fo yuhn 售貨員
louh yahn 路人
51
Unit 3: Arrival
Lesson 1 Greeting at the airport
Learning Objectives
To say “Hello” & “Welcome”
2. To indicate possession with “ge”
3. To address people with title
4. To introduce oneself or someone using the verb “liaih”
5. To give one’s name using the verb “giu”
6. To suggest how you prefer to be addressed
Dialogue ©cd -T48
Amy, an exchange student from the U.S., greets Jing-Jing, her "buddy”、from the University of Hong Kong,
at the airport.
J^my: neih hou, ngoh haih JimySmith

您好，我係 Amy Smith。
(Hello, lam Amy Smith.)
Jing-Jing: neih hou. ngoh haih Heung Gong Daaih Hohk ge hohk saang.
您好。我係香港大學嘅學生。
(Hello! lam a student of the University of Hong Kong.)
ngoh giu Wohng Jlng Jlng.
我叫王晶晶。
(My name is Jing-Jing Wong.)
； fun yihng neih, Smiths\\x

‘ T歡迎您，Smith小姐。
. » .
'(Welcome, Miss Smith.)
Amy: Wohng siu je, giu ngoh Jmyla.

王小姐，叫我啦。
(Miss Wong, just call me "Amy"!)
Jing-Jing: gam, neih giu ngoh Jing Jing la!

^ 瞰，你叫我晶晶啦！
(Well, then, you can call me "Jing-Jing "!)
The one assigned to look after someone new to the place.
52
Lesson 1
1. ng6h 我 Pn: I; me
[Note (hat no case distinction for personal
pronoun in Cantonese.]
2. neih 你/您 Pn: you (singular)

〆 [Note that some people in Hong Kong
will say ttJei/in instead of l,neih f\)
3. kbuih 佢 Pn: he; him; she; her; it

[There is no gender distinction between he,
she or it in Cantonese.]
4. h6u 好 Adj: good; well; fine; okay
5. neih hou 你好 SE: (lit. you good) Hello, Hi, Good day.
[Note that no verb-to-be is needed in a
general adjectival predicate sentence.]
6. haih 係 V: be (is, am, are; was, were)

(yv, + h a i h + n2) [used for all cases, numbers, tenses, etc.]
j
[Note that no conjugation for the verb in
1
Cantonese.]
7. Heung Gong Daaih Hohk PN: The University of Hong Kong2

香港大學i [“ Gong Daaih” is used for the
abbreviation.]
8. ge °t!t Part: [a structural particle used to indicate

possession, similar to ’s in English]
(N] +ge +n2)
9. hohk saang 學生 N: student
10. giu 叫 V: to be called, named; known as;

("丨+ giu +"2) |
(also “giu jouh 叫做to call
11. Wohng Jlng Jlng 王晶晶 PN: [a female Chinese name]

“W6hng” is the surname and t4Jl ng J1 ng”
is the given name [Note that Chinese
surname always comes before Chinese given
1 name.]
12. fun yihng 歡迎 V: welcome [can be used repeatedly for

showing courtesy to customers or visitor]
13. s"i u je 小姐 iN: Miss; young lady

丄-.................................... .................... ....... ............... .............................. 二...
14. 1云啦 Part: [a modal particle used at the end of sentence

with the sense of request, suggestion or
;(Sentence + la )
inviration.J
15. gam ^ ' Intj: SO, well.. .[occurspreceding sentence

and serves to fill a pause or transition]
--------------------- - — ■ ........... ........... ...................
2 Names of other universities in Hong Kong can be found in the Glossary.
53
Lesson 1
3. To address people with title

e.g. Wohng siu je
(Miss Wong)
4. To introduce oneself or someone using the verb “haih”
Noun i haih Nouri2

(to be)
e.g. 1. ngoh haih Amy Smith.

(I am Amy Smith.)
e.g. 2. ngoh haih Heung Gong Daaih Hohk ge hohk saang.

(1 am a student of the University of Hong Kong.)
55
Unit 3: Arrival
5. To give one’s name using “giu”

e.g. ngoh giu. Wohng Jing Jing.
(I'm called Jing-Jing.) (My name is Jing-Jing.)
6. To suggest how you prefer to be addressed

e.g. 1. Wohng siu je, giu ngoh Am\ la.
(Miss Wong, just call me "Amy"!)
e.g. 2. neih giu ngoh Jing Jing la!

(You can call me "Jing-Jing "!)
(neih) giu ngoh + Name

▲
1. Jau louh si (Teacher Chow)

2. Wohng slu je (Miss Wong)
3. a seuh (Sir)
4. mit sih (Miss)
Your e(ampk(s):
(neih) giu ngoh la!
(a name you prefer to be addressed)
__
Lesson 1
FYI - 1. Arriving in Hong Kong
Hong Kong means many different things to many people. To help you make the most of
your trip or stay, you can check out the following Web sites to meet your needs:
www.hongkongairport.com;www.hkta.org
Taxi Stands
__ ____
c :rnr: - -r .y. —C—a 2 ft . 二Tr£-/_jr：m
=zz±_
E m E
C,rpTk4 [p] [Pi卬arte 1
Hall A Arrivals Hall Hall B
Airport jr-j| rS] Shuttle Bus
Mainland 圇国圇 to Carpal 5
Coach Station
n n
< Customs Customs
>
( Baggage Reclaim Carousel
)
Transportation modes at Arrivals Hall

<www.hongkongairport.com>
FYI - 2. Naming in Chinese
1) Chinese family name first
A personal name in Chinese consists of two parts, the surname “sing 姓” and the
given name “m、i hng 名”.The surname comes first, followed by the given name.
Family name Given name
(1-2 syllables) (1-2 syllables, any combination of Chinese characters)
Dahng 鄙 Slu P'lhng 小平(Deng Xiaoping3)
Lfeih 李 Si u L ii h n g 小龍（Bruce Lee4)
3 Deng Xiaoping (1904-1997)

Chinese Communist leader. China's most powerful figure from the late 1970s until his death in 1997. In
the 1950s he became a vice-premier of the People's Republic and general secretary of the Chinese
Communist Party (CCP). He was twice purged from the Communist Party (1967 and 1976) and twice
restored (1973 and 1977) before gaining supreme power in China. He officially retired as head of state in
November 1989. (Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica. 2007)
4 Bruce Lee (1940-1973)
A Chinese American martial-art practitioner, philosopher，instructor, and mariial-art actor widely regarded
as one of the most influential martial artists of the twentieth century. He was named TIME Magazine’s
100 Most Important People of the Century as one of the greatest heroes & icons.
(wilcipedia，the free encyclopedia，2007)
57
Unit 3: Arrival
2) One-syllable & two-syllable family names

Most Chinese surnames have one character (but there are also some surnames with
two characters). Examples:
1. Ch3hn 陳 Chan, Chen 6. Jiu 周 Chau，Chow

'
2. Leih $ Lee, Li 7. Ngh ^ Ng, W«
—
3. Jeung 張 Cheungy Chang 8. Mah .8, Ma
4. Wohng 黃/ 王 Wong 9. Si Touh 司徒 Szeto

-
5. H6h 何 Ho 10.Au Yeuhng 歐陽 Auyeung
3) Given name
a) Most Chinese given names have two characters, but there are also some given
names with a single character only.
b) Many Chinese like to use English names in addition to their Chinese names
nowadays. They can be given at birth by parents or chosen by themselves when
older, e.g. Donald Yam-kuenTsang (曾蔭權 JAng Yam-Kyuhn) {theChief
Executive of HKSAR, 2007 )
4) English translation of Chinese names

a) In mainland China, generally people use Han-Yu Pinyin to represent their name,
e.g. Dang Xiaoping (鄭小平 Dahng Slu P'lhng).
b) In Hong Kong, a non-standard transcription of Cantonese is used and is now
widely accepted, e.g. the first Chief Executive of HKSAR, Mr. Tung Chee Hwa
(董建華 DOng Gin Wah).
c) Overseas Chinese also use a non-standard transcription of Chinese, sometimes
based on their resident country’s language or dialect. That’s why sometimes you
will see some Chinese people who have the same surname in Chinese character,
but different in English transcription. Examples:
Surname I English _____ .一.
L&ih 李 Lee, Lei, Li
hu周 Chau, Chou, Chow _____
Cheuih Chui, Tsui, Zee __________
58
Lesson 1
Exercise
1. Translate the following into Cantonese.

1) student _
2) The University of Hong Kong _
3) student of HKU _
4) I am a student of HKU. .
5) good .
6) Hello _
7) to be called ( + name) ■
8) I’m called Amy. (My name is Amy) _
9) Welcome! ■
10) Call me Amy! _
2. Complete the following dialogue.
Teacher: ngoh haih Gwong Dung Wa fo ch\\\n9.(course) ge louh si.
You: ngoh haih Gwong Dung Wa fo ch'ihng ge______________________________ :
Teacher: neih hou. ngoh haih Chahn louh si.
You:___________________________________________________________ ，neih hou.
ngoh haih _____________________________________________________________ (fullname).
Teacher: fun yihng neih. neih giu ngoh “Chan seuh” la.
You: Chan seuh. gam, neih giu ngoh_______________ ；_____________________________
歡迎光臨
fun yihng gwong lahm
(WeCcomefor coming.)
59
Unit 3: Arrival
Lesson 2 You are here
Learning Objectives
1• To form plural personal pronouns with “deih”
2. To indicate “here”，“there” and “where”
3. To ask and tell where one goes using the verb “heui”
4. To ask and tell whereabouts using the verb llhai,5
DialogueJ @CD~T50
Jing-Jing takes Amy to the University by taxi.

driver. heui b~in douh a?
去 i 度一呀？
(Where do you want to go?)1
mh goi, heui Heung Gong Daaih Hohk.

(to driver) 唔該，去香港大學。
(The University of Hong Kong, please.)
Amy: ring Jlng，Heung Gong Daaih Hohk hai bin douh a?

(toJJ) 晶晶，香港大學喺邊度呀？
(Jing-Jing, where is the University of Hong Kong?)
Jing-Jing： hai Heung Gong Dou.

(pointing at the ^ 香港島。
map} (It’
s in Hong Kong Island.)
n! douh haih Heung Gong Gwok Jai Gei Cheuhng,
呢度係香港國 i
(Here is the Hong Kong International Airport.)
ni douh haih Gau Luhng, ni douh haih Heung Gong Dou,
呢度係龍，呢度係香港島，
(This is Kowloon and this is Hong Konghland.)^
go douh haih Juag^Gwok daaih luhk.
嗰度係中國’大~'〜陸。
(Over there is mainland China.)
Jimy: ngoh deih yih g_a hai bin douh a?

我哋而家喺邊度呀？
(Where are we now?)
Jing-Jing: ngoh deih yih ga hai ni douh.

(pointing at the我咖而家喂呢度。
map) (We are here now.)
J This is the intended meaning in this situation. The literal meaning is “Where are you going?
60
Lesson 2
61
Unit 3: Arrival
Vocabulary ©CD-TSl
1. heui 去(+ Place/Purpose) V: | go

1 | i 1
2. b'ln douh 邊度 QW： j where

l !
3. I a?呀？（ Question + a?) Part: 1 [an interrogative particle commonly used at the
| | I end of a question to express an inquiry]
!
4. ,mh goi 唔該 | SE: 1 (in L.2) please [to request sb. to do sth.]
S I j —•]
5. hai ( + Place) v： to be at/in/on (a place)

i i !
i
6. m douh 呢度 Pn: here
7. go douh °fi度 Pn: :there; over there

: -
i _______ i
8. Heung Gong Dou 香港島 PN: :Hong Kong Island
i . _______ *
9. Gwok Jai 國際 PN: international
10. gei cheuhng 機場 :N: ' airport

I … r
11. Gau Luhng 九龍 PN: i Kowloon

」
12. Jung Gwok 中國丨PN: China
1 J
13. daaih luhk 大陸：N: mainland; the continent

i i
,14. Jung Gwok daaih luhk PN: the Chinese mainland;

i中國大陸 mainland China
ij ；； 1
___ _J
!
15. ngoh deih 我咖 Pn: we, us
•: l
16. yih ga 而家 N: now
1 ； • j I __ !
Lesson 2
Sentence Structure
1. To form plural personal pronouns

r \
1. ngoh deih (wef us)
Personal pronoun + deih 2. neih deih (you - plural)
3. keuih deih (they, them)
V J
e_g. 1. ngoh deih yih ga hai bin douh a?

(Where are we now?)
e.g. 2. neih deih heui bin douh a?

(Where are you going?)
e.g. 3. keuih deih haih ngoh ge pahng yauh.

(They are my friends.)
2. To indicate “here”，“there” & “where”
Specified prefix + douh 1. ni douh (here)
(ni / go / bin) 2. go douh (there)

3. bin douh (where)
e.g. 1. ni douh haih Gau Luhng.

(Here is Kowloon.)
e.g. 2. go douh haih Jung Gwok daaih luhk.

(There is Mainland China.)
e.g. 3. ngoh deih y'lh ga hai bin douh a?

(Where are we now?)
^Your exempts):
n'l douh haih
go douh haih_______________________
ngoh deih y'lh ga heui bin douh a?
63
Unit 3: Arrival
3. To ask and tell where one goes - Taking a taxi

a) Ask where to go
e.g. heui bin douh a?
(Where do you want to go?)
(neih) + heui + bin douh + a?

(Question word)
b) Tell destination
e.g. mh goi, heui Heung Gong Daaih Hohk.
(Please go to the University of Hong Kong.)
4. To ask and tell whereabouts

a) Ask whereabouts
e.g. Heung Gong Daaih Hobk hai bin douh a?
(Where is the University of Hong Kong?)
To pic + hai + bin douh + a?

i卜
1. Heung Gong Jau Dim (Hong Kong Hotel)

2. neih ge gwok ga (your country)
3. sai sau gaan (washroom)
4. cheut hau (exit)
5. Chahn louh si (Teacher Chan)
Youreâmp(e(s):
.hai bin douh a?
Lesson 2
b) Tell whereabouts
e.g. (HKU) hai Heung Gong Dou,
(HKU is in Hong Kong Island.)
hYour examp[e(s):
ngoh ge gwok ga hai _
ngoh ge daaih hohk hai
ngoh ge uk kei hai_____
65
Unit 3: Arrival
FYI -1. To and From the Airport2 j
Q:_______ _____________________ hai bin douh a?
gei cheuhng faai sin 機場快線
(Airport Express)
chyun so ba si 穿梭巴士
(shuttle bus)
gei cheuhng ba si 機場巴士
(airbus)
d"ik si 的士
(taxi).、
information about to and from the HK Airport, please go to <http://www.hongkongairporl.com>-

2 For more
66
Lesson 2
FYI — 2. Hong Kong’s Major Urban Districts
; '
1. Seuhng Waahn 上環 i Sheung Wan
\1
2. Jung Waahn 中環 ' Central
3. Gam Jung 金鐘 Admiralty

’....... .............. . . ______ ... ___ : i
4. Waan Jai 灣仔 Wan Chai
i .. i I
i
5. Tuhng Loh Waan/ Causeway Bay
Tuhng Loh Waahn 銅錄灣
i
6. Jlm Sa Jeui 尖沙。且 Tsim Sha Tsui
一
7. Jim Dung 尖東 Tsim Sha Tsui East
I
8. Huhng Ham 紅撕 Hung Horn

1i ■ j
9. Yauh Mah Dei 油麻地 Yau Ma Tei
1
10. Wohng Gok 旺角 Mong Kok
^ •» ! ' J
67
Unit 3: Arrival
L Answer the question and point out your answer.

Q： n6ih ge gwok ga hai bln douh a?
A; hai m douh. (Please point it out.) n g 6 h g e gwok ga hai
2. Ask whereabouts of places indicated by ①②③④⑤⑥⑦⑧.

Q: Place + hai bln douh a?
Lesson 2
1) here _____
2) there _____
3) where _____
4) Where is HKU? _____
5) Where are you going? _____
6) Please go to the airport. _____
7) Here is Hong Kong. _____
8) There is Mainland China. _____
9) Kowloon _____
10) New Territories _____
4. Matching the Cantonese with the English.
1) ngoh deih a. you
2) neih deih b. they
3) keuih deih c. we
4) yih ga d. Kowloon
5) daaih hohk e. Hong Kong Island
6) gwok jai f. New Territories
7) Heung Gong dou g- now
8) Gau Luhng h. to be
9) San Gaai i. go
10) heui j. to be at
11) hai k. international

—_
12) haih 1. university
69
Unit 3: Arrival
Lesson 3 Accommodation & check in
Learning Objectives
1. To ask about numbers
2. To ask and tell where one lives
3. To tell where an event takes place
4. To tell what one wants using Useung y iu”
5. To form an imperative sentence of suggestion with “la’
Dialogue
」©CD -T52
JingJing takes Amy to check-in at the hostel forforeign students.
Jing-Jing: Jimy，neih jyuh hai bln douh a?

Amy，你住嘥邊度呀？
(Amy, where do you live?)
Amy: ngoh jyuh hai lauh hohk saang suk se.
' 我住喺留學生宿舍。
(I live in the hostel for foreign students.)
Jing-Jing: si gei, mh goi neih hai ch'ihn mihn tihng che la!
^ 司機，唔該你喺前面停車啦！
(Driven please stop ahead.)
Jimy, ni douh haih lauh hohk saang suk se la.

Amy,呢度係留學生宿舍喇。
(Amy, here is the hostel forforeign students.)
Jimy: mh goi, ngoh haih san leih ge lauh hohk saang.

(to hostel’s 唔該，我係新嚟嘅留學生。
receptionist) (Excuse me. I'm a newly arrivedforeign student.)
ngoh giu Amy Smith ngoh seung yiu ngoh ge fong ge so sih.
我叫AmySm/A。我想要我嘅房嘅鎖匙。
(I am Amy Smith. I’d like to have the key to my room.)
(Receptionist: neih ge fong gei do houh a?

你嘅房幾多號呀？
(What number is your room?)
^mr saam yih yat houh.

三二一號。
(Number 321.)
h6u aak. neih hai n"i douh chim meng la!

(Receptionist:
好呢。你縣呢度簽名啦！
(Okay, please sign here.)
70
Lesson 3
Vocabulary
.....-
_
J ……」©CD-T53
i l. Ijyuh 住 iV： to live

| j |
|2. h a i °f系（+ Place + Verb ) ;Prep: (in L.3) at; in; on (a place)
i
3. lauh hohk saang 留學生 i N: foreign student
i
4. suk se宿舍 N: hostel; dormitory; living quarters
:(also pronounced as 4tsuk se’’）
i
5. si gei司機：N： driver; vehicle operator (by profession) i
ii i
^鲁
6. ch'ihn mihn 前面 N: i in front; ahead
j • !
7. t'lhng che 停車丨Ph: to stop (like a car, a train)
!
8. la 0刺 Part: [a modal particle used to emphasize a point of
current relevance]
9. mh goi。吾該 SE: (in L.3) excuse me [to draw sb’s attention

usually when one inquires sth.]
10. san新 Adj: new

;
11. lhh嚟 V: to come (also pronounced as “laih”）
.... .. — .:. ?
12. san leih ge 新0黎。旣 Ph: (lit. newly come) ]ust arrived; newcomer
j
13. Seung ( + Verbal phrase ) AV: to want to; would like to (do
i something)
1
14. yiu 要（+ Noun ) V. (in L.3) to want, would like (something)
! •
15. seung yiu 想要(+ Noun ) Ph: to want to have (something)
....••-
i
16. ! f6ng 房 N： room
1
! 17. ;so sih鎖匙 N: key
|
18. | houh 號（yv“. + houh) M: [used after a number] number
! i i
j
19. gei d6幾多 QW： | what; how many; how much
j
—
20. :gei do houh 幾多號 QW： | what number
, / j SE: |
21. ;hou aak 好呢 fine; okay
• _j i
:
22. i ch'i m meng 簽名 V/N:: to sign; signature
」- - — • •— — —1 --—--■ •一 ---------------------------------- i
71
Unit 3: Arrival
Sentence Structure
1. To ask about numbers
e.g. neih ge fong gei do houh a?

(What number is your room?)
2. a) To tell where one lives
e.g. ngoh jyuh hai lauh hohk saang suk se.

(I live in the hostel for foreign students.)
^Your exdmp(e(s):
ngohjyuh hai
Lesson 3
b) To ask where one lives
e.g. neih jvuh hai bin douh a?

(Where do you live?)
3. To tell where an event takes place
e.g. 1. mh goi neih hai chihn mihn tihng che la!

(Please stop at the front.)
e.g. 2. neih hai nl douh chim meng la!
(Please sign here.)
ôur excimpCe(s):
ngoh hai duhksyu.
ngoh hai .jouh yeh.
ngoh hai sihk faahn.
ngoh hai touh syu gun
73
Unit 3: Arrival
4. To tell what one wants using Useung yiu”
e.g. ngoh seung viu ngoh ge fong ge so s'lh.

(I’d like to have the key to my room.)
5. To form an imperative sentence of suggestion with <4la,J
e.g. 1. mh goi neih hai chihn mihn t'lhng che la!

(Please stop ahead.)
e.g. 2. neih hai ni douh chim meng la!
(Please sign here.)
fneih) + Verb! Verbal phrase + la !

• i
r A
1. yahp leih (come in)
2. choh (sit)
3. yam chah (have some tea)
v J
------
ôur exampCe(s):
mh goi neih la.

FYI - Accommodation1
Q： neih jyuh hai b'in douh a?
A: ngoh jyuh hai_______________
(1) jau dim 酒店
(hotel)
(2) leuih dim 旅店
/leuih se 旅舍
(hostel)
(3) ban gun 賓館
(guesthouse)
(4) chlng n'lhn leuih se
青年旅舍
(youth hostels)
(5) douh ga uk 度假屋
(holiday flats)
(6) chohng wai yuh so牀■位寓所
(bedspace apartments)
Please check out this web site www.hadla.gov.hk to meet your needs.
Unit 3: Arrival
FY1 — 2. Rooms & Facilities
1. bathroom yuhk sat 浴室；

«； i j chung leuhng fong 沖涼房
j
____J _ … |
2. washroom; toilet sai sau gaan 洗手間；
1 i
ii chi so厠所
；
3. kitchen chyuh fong; cheuih fong 廣房

| | 1 |
____ __ i
4. | living room haak teng 客廳
i
i
5. dining room j faahn teng 飯廳
6. bedroom seuih fong 睡房
i i
7. double room; room for two seung yahn fong 雙人房
8. : single room daan yahn fong 單人房

•
9. study room syu fong 書房；
! yuht duhk sat 閱讀室
|
i
10. store room jaahp maht fong 雜物房

\i ；
-
11. window-ledge cheung t6ih 窗台
12. balcony louh toih 露台；kbh Uu 騎樓

—」
13. corridor jau I6ng 走廊

j l
14. front door 丨 ch'ihn m6n 前門

j | I
15. back door :hauh mun 後門

.
‘----- -------------------------
• 一一J
16. lift, elevator |sing gong gei 升降機;Tip 粒;
I ■ dihn tai 電梯(also means escalator)

it »；
；---- h----- *-- ：
| 17. staircase ;lauh tai 樓梯
j_
；laahp saap fohng 垃圾房

18. garbage room
|—…丄________________ _-一-:• 丄、一 — _____ I
ski y_i f6hng 洗衣房
J9. laundry room
| che f6hng 車房
20. \ garage \ s 平彷
76
Lesson 3
Exercise
1) Where do you live?
2) What number is your room?
3) I’d like to have the key to the washroom.
4) Please sign here!
5) I want to have your signature.
6) Please stop here!
7) I’m a newly arrived foreign student.
8) I live in the Hong Kong International Hotel.
2. Match the Cantonese with the pictures.
1) lauh hohk saang (
2) jau dim ()
3) chim meng()
4) suk se()
5) so sih()
6) si gei()
77
Unit 3: Arrival
Lesson 4 Money exchange
Learning Objectives
1. To indicate possession with the verb “y &uh” & “m6uh”
2. To connect two items with “tuhng (and)’’
3. To express one’s wish or desire to do something using Useung
4. To do money exchange
5. To ask “how much” or “how many”
Dia1—6! ©CD-T54
Jing-Jing and Amy chat in the room.
Jing-Jing: Jimy, neih yauh mouh Gong Baih a?

Awiy,你 1有行港幣呀?
(Amy, have you got any Hong Kong dollars?)
Amy: mouh a. ngoh mouh Gong Baih.

冇呀。我冇港幣。
(No, 1 haven 7 got any Hong Kong dollars.)
ngoh jihng haih yauh Meih Gam tuhng seun yuhng kaat.
我淨係有美金同信用咭。
(I only have US dollars and a credit card.)
ngoh seung wuhn yat di Gong Baih.

我想換一啲港幣。
(I would like to change for some Hong Kong dollars.)
Jing-Jing: neih seung wuhn gei do chin a?

你想換幾多錢呀？
(How much would you like to change?)
J^my: yat baak man Meih Gam.

一百蚊美金。
(One hundred US dollars.)
Jing-Jing: mouh mahn taih. ngoh yauh.

冇問題。我有。
(No problem. I have it.)
nah, m douh chat baak baat sahp man Gong Baih.

嗱，呢度七百八十蚊港幣。
(Here's seven hundreds and eighty Hong Kong dollars.1)
mh goi.
Jimy:
唔該。
(Thank you.)
d to the US dollar at about US$1=HK$7.8.

The Hong dollar is pegge，
78
Lesson 4
ZgCabUlarL^l ©CD-T55
! l. y云uh有 V- to have, to possess

i I
2. ,m6uh 冇 have not, not to have
! V:
(the negative form of “yauh”）
3. ! yauh mouh ( + Object) a?有冇…呀？ QW： Have you got...? Do you have...?
|4- Gong Baih 港幣 PN: Hong Kong dollars;

1
I Hong Kong currency
1 (also “G6ng Yuhn 港元”）
5. a 呀（Statement + a.) Part:

[a modal particle used to soften the tone
of a confirmation in a statement ]
6. jihng haih 淨係（+设/士） Adv: only
i i
7. Meih Gam 美金 U.S. dollars
1 PN:
(also uMeih Yuhn 美元’’）
8. tuhng 同(N, + tuhng +A^2) Conj: and

j
9. seun yuhng kaat 信用0吉 N: credit card
1
10. wuhn 換 to change; exchange;
v：
; convert (currency)
Ml. yat di 一咐 Nu: some

(can be shortened as “di ”）
: .
1 12. chin 錢 N: money
i
j 13. gei do chin幾多錢 Pn: how much (money) (can be

i shortened as t4gei chin 幾錢”）
I
14. baak 百 Nu: i hundred
；-....
15. man (Nu. + man ) M: dollars [a measure unit for money J
116. mahn taih 問題 N: question; problem; trouble

j
| 17. mouh mahn taih 冇問題 SE:丨 no problem

1 1
| 18. nah ^ Iny： ! (in L.4) Here it is!

[⑽ indicator of things within a close i
i
I i proximity]
i »
! 19. mh goi唔該 SE: | (in L.4) thank you
j
i
j Ifor a small favor] |
79
Unit 3: Arrival
Sentence Structure
1. To indicate possession with the verb Uyauh,5 & “m6uh”
a) To possess
e.g. ngoh jihng haih vauh Meih Gam.

(I only have US dollars.)
b) Negation of &uh” (not have-“m6uh”)
e.g. ngoh mouh Gong Baih.

(I haven’t got any Hong Kong dollars.)
c) To ask “Have you got…？” or you have..... ?”
e.g. neih yauh mouh Gong Baih a?

(Have von 2Qt any Hong Kong dollars?)
1. neih (you) 1. san fan jing (ID. card)

2. keuih (he; she) 2. pahng yauh (friend)
3. keuih deih (they) J 3. sau taih dihn wa (mobilephone)
-■
OYourexamV[e(s)：
ngoh yauh .
ngoh mouh
Lesson 4
2. To connect two items “A and B”
e.g. ngoh jihng haih yauh Meih Gam tuhng seun yuhng kaat.
(I only have US dollars and a credit card.)
3. To express one’s wish or desire to do something
e.g. 1. ngoh seung wuhn yat di Gong Baih.

e.g. 2. ngoh seung yiu ngoh ge fong ge so s'lh.
(I would like to have the key to my room.)
81
Unit 3: Arrival
4. To do money exchange
e.g. ngoh seung wuhn vat d'l Gong Baih.

5. To ask “how much” or “how many”
e.g. 1. neih seung wuhn gei do chin a?

(How much would you like to change?)
e.g. 2. neih yauh gei do chin a?

(How much money do you have?)
e.g. 3. Heung Gong yauh gei do vahn a?
(How many people are there in Hong Kong?)
e.g. 4. Wohng Jing Jing gei do seni a?
(How old is Jing-Jing Wong?)
ôur exampk(s):
neih seung wuhn gei do chin a?
82
Lesson 4
FYI 一 1. Currencies
1) Hong Kong Currency

Legal tender is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$). There are 100 cents in a dollar.
Coins, issued by the government, are bronze-coloured for 10 cents, 20 cents and 50
cents; silver-coloured for HK$1, HK$2, and HK$5; nickel and bronze for HK$10.
Notes issued by HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank have denominations of HK$10,
HK$20, HK$50, HK$ 100, HK$500, and HK$1,000. The Bank of China issues all
of the denominations except HK$10. (Source: Hong Kong Tourism Board, 2006)
a) Coins in circulation (coins: saan ngan |欠銀；ngaahng baih 硬幣）

(coins not shown to scale) v •二气
* 'S
leuhng man 兩蚊 ugh man 五蚊 sahp man 十蚊
b) Banknotes in circulation (banknotes: ji baih 紙幣）
$10 =sahp man 十蚊
$20 =yih sahp man 二十蚊

:too
$50 =ngh sahp man 五十蚊
$100 =yat baak man 一K
$500 =ngh baak man 五百蚊
$1000 =yat chin man 一
83
Unit 3: Arrival
2) Other currencies
1. Meih Gam 美金/ Mbih Yiihn 美元 United States Dollars (USD) US$
2. Ga Yuhn加元 Canadian Dollars (CAD) Can$
3. Au L6h歐羅/ Au YUhn歐元 Euros (EUR) €
4. Ying Bohng / Ying B6ng 英鎊 British Pounds Sterling (GBP)f
5. Seuih Sih Faat Lohng 瑞士法郎 Swiss Francs (CHF) SwF
6. Ou Yuhn澳元 Australian Dollars (AUD) A$
7. Nau Yiihn 紐元 New Zealand Dollars (NZD) NZ$
8. Yaht Yhhn 日元 Japanese Yen (JPY)¥
9. Naahm Hohn Yuhn/Waahn 南韓元/園 South Korean Won (WON) W
10. San Ga Bo Yuhn新加坡元 Singapore Dollars (SGD) S$
11. Taai Jyu 泰銖 Thai Baht (THB) BhtorBt
12. Yahn Mahn Baih 人民幣 Chinese Yuan /Renminbi (CNY)(RMB)¥
FYI — 2. Necessities
♦ 3 ■飞
t:UJ. i.
^5* V5/t>» "?■ Wj
oo::j
LJ\
wuh jiu護照 chlm jing 簽證 seun yuhng kaat 信用
(passport) (visa) (credit card)
gwok jai dihn wa kaat 國際電話咭

sau taih dihn wa 手提電話
(international phone card) (mobile phone)
iff- *■ t
tw Mi
G mi
1J-09-W
Heung Gong san tan jing baat daaht tdng kaat chin 錢
香港身份證(_D card) 八違通吟(Octopus card)
(money)
84
Lesson 4
Exercise
• Write the following prices in Arabic numerals.

e.g. yat baak man _______$100________
1) sahp baat man_______________________________
2) yih sahp yih man___________________________
3) ngh sahp ngh man__________________________
4) yih baak chat sahp man__________________
5) sei baak ngh sahp luhk man____________
6) baatbaak gau sahp luhk man__________
7) ngh houh______________________________________
8) leuhng man___________________________________
2. Use the given words and 44yauh m6uh” to form a question first and then give a
positive and negative answer of each question,
e.g. Gong Baih
Q: neih vauh mouh Gong Baih a ?
A (yes): vauh, ngoh vauh Gong Baih.
A (no): mouh, ngoh mouh Gong Baih.
1) chin
Q:
A (yes): ;
A (no):
2) seun yuhng kaat
Q:
A (yes):
A (no):________________________________________________ ______________________________
3) san fan jing
Q: ____
4 (yes):----------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A (no): _
4) mahn taih
Q: __ _____________________
A (yes):_____________________________________ ______________ ___________ ____________ __

A (no):__________________________________________ ___________________________ ________
85
Unit 3: Arrival
1) Do you have a boyfriend?
2) I only have one hundred Hong Kong dollars.
3) He would like to have a Hong Kong ID card.
4) How much US dollars would you like to change?
5) Here’re two hundred and fifty dollars.
6) Mr. Chan and Miss Wong are my teachers.
7) My father would like to have some tea.
8) My friend wants to come to Hong Kong.
86
Vnit Tour
^Personal Information
Lesson 5. Self-introduction
Lesson 6. Getting to know a new friend
Lesson 7. My Chinese friend
Lesson 8. Chatting with a friend

Unit 4: Personal Information
Lesson 5 Self-introduction
Learning Objectives
1. To talk about one’s family (Intimate possession)

7^
2. To know how to use Measure Words
3. To tell one’s nationality
4. To tell one’s age (Nominal Predicate)
5. To tell one’s major/subject of study
6. To tell one’s hobbies
7. To ask “what” or “what kind of’ using umat ybh’
Short Speech
©CD-T56
Amy introduces herself at a welcome party.
daaih ga hou, ngoh giu Jlmy. ngoh haih Meih Gwok yahn.
大家好，我叫Amy 我係美國人。
(Hello, ！ am Amy. 1 am American.)
ngoh gam mhn yih sahp seui. ngoh yauh saam go h'ing daih jl muih.
我今年二十歲。我有三個兄弟姊妹。
(I am twenty years old this yean I have three brothers and sisters.)
ngoh goh go hai Nau Yeuk jouh yeh. ngoh jeh je hai Ba Laih duhk syu.
我.哥哥喺紐約做嘢。我姐姐喺巴黎讀書。
(My elder brother is working in New York. My elder sister is studying in Paris.)
ngoh y'lh ga haih Heung Gong Daaih Hohk ge gaau wuhn hohk saang.
我而家係香港大學嘅交換學生。
(J am an exchange student in the University of Hong Kong now.)
ngoh hai daaih hohk duhk gaau yuhk.
我喺大學讀教育。
(My major is education in university.)
ngoh jyuh hai Gwok Jai lauh hohk saang suk se.
我住喺國際留學生宿舍。
(J live in the hostel for international foreign students.)
ngoh ge hing cheui haih leuih hahng tuhng teng yam ngohk.
我嘅興趣係旅行同聽音樂。
(l^y hobbies are traveling and listening to music.)
d6 jeh.
多费。
(Thaniyou.)
88
Lesson 5
©CD -T57
Vocabulary
1. daaih ga 大家；Pn: all, everybody

I
2. Meih Gwok 美國丨PN: United States of America
I
3. yahn A 丨N: :people; person
4. Meih Gwok yahn 美國人 PN: American

1
5. gam n'lhn 今年 N: this year
!
(also pronounced as t4gam nfin”）
6. seui 歲（Nu.+ seui ) M: years old; age
7. go個 MW: i [a general measure wordfor round objects

or abstract things，such as questions or ideas;
(e.g. yat go yahn ) i
....... 」
(in L.5) a measure wordfor people]
8. hing daih }\ muih 兄弟姊姝 Ph: brothers and sisters
9. goh go哥哥 N: | elder brother
:
(younger brother is 4<daih dai 弟弟’’）
1
10. jeh je 姐姐 N: elder sister
!
! (younger sister is <4muih mui 妹妹”）
i 1
11. | Nau Yeuk 紐約 PN: New York
j i —J
12. B'a Laih 巴黎 PN: I Paris •
13. jouh yeh 做°?予 VO: j to work

J
14. duhk syi 讀書 VO: to study in school; to read a book
1 1 ...........
:15. gaau wuhn 交換 V： to exchange
:
I 16•丨 duhk 讀{七Object V：
i i
1
；17. s gaau yuhk 教育 N: education

-
i !
:18. ! hing cheui 興趣 N: a hobby; an interest
j ! ___ -」 L _______
i 19. !: leuih hahng 旅行
1 ..
V/N: to travel
20. j t8ng 聽 v： to hear; to listen [
21. j yam ngohk 音樂 N: ；music

i
22. : do jeh 多謝 SE: thank you, many thanks
_i -_
1_ __•_
___ 」
________ ____ _________________ -
I
89
Sentence Structure
1. To talk about one’s family (Intimate possession)
e g- Pgoh goh go hai Nau Yeuk jnnh yeh.

(My elder brother is working in New York.)
Personal pronoun Family member
1. ngoh (I) a bah ba (father)

2. neih (you) 2. mah ma (mother)
3. keuih (he, she) 3. goh go (elder brother)
4. jeh je (elder sister)
5. daih dai (younger brother)
6. muih mui (younger sister)
ngoh ge jai (my son)
sin saang (husband)
ngoh ge^ neui (my daughter)
_________ _____ ______ _________

VI taai taai
four eâmp[e(s):
ngoh____
___________________ hai jouh yeh.
(family member) (working place)
ngoh____________________ hai duhksyu.
(family member) (school)
2. To know how to use Measure Words (also see Unit 2 Section 7, p.45-47))
e.g. ngoh yauh saam go h'ing daih fi muih.

(1 have three brothers and sisters.)
Numeral + MW + Noun
-ir-
r \
1. yat (one) 1. go 1. pahng yauh (friend)
2. leuhng (two) 2. ga 2. che (car)
3. saam (three) 3. gaan 3. hohk haauh (school)
4. sei (four) 4. gihn 4. saam (clothes)
5. ngh (five) 5. tiuh 5. fu (trousers)
6. luhk (six) 6. deui 6. haaih (shoes)
chat (seven, 7. jeung seun yuhng kaat (visa card)
V J
r<Your exf^mP^(s):
ngoh yauh
brothers & sisters)
90
Lesson 5
3. To tell one’s nationality

e.g. ngoh haih Meih Gwok vahn.
(I am American.)
4. To tell One’s age (Nominal Predicate with no verb)
e.g. ngoh gam n'lhn yih sahp seui.

(/ am twenty years old this year.)
91
5. To tell one’s major/subject of study (in university)

e.g. ngoh hai daaih hohk duhk gaau yuhk.
(My major at university is education.)
6. To tell one’s hobbies

e.g. ngoh ge hing cheui haih leuih hahng tuhng teng yam ngohk.
(My hobbies are traveling and listening to music.)
e.g. 1. neih giu mat veh meng a?

(Whatrs your name?)
e.g. 2. neih haih mat veh vahn a?

。 (lit. what kind ofperson are you? Re: nationality) (Where are you from?)
eg. 3. neih hai daaih hohk duhk mat veh fo a?

• (What is your major/subject of study in university?)
e.g. 4. neih ge hing cheui haih maLyeh a?

(What are your hobbies?)
92
Lesson 5
一 L Countries, People & Nationalities
1) Names of countries 1
Names of foreign countries are translated into Chinese using several different
methods. Some of them are based on the Chinese pronunciation (normally
Putonghua) i.e. phonetic equivalents, e.g•:
English Cantonese
Canada (Ca-na-da) Ga Nah Daaih 加拿大
Philippines (Phi-lip-pines) Fei Leuht Ban 菲律賓
Scotland (S-cot-land) Sou Gaak Laahn 蘇格蘭
Italy (I-ta-ly) Yi Daaih Leih 意大利
Others are combined with “gwok 國(country)'' as an ending, e.g.:
English Cantonese
America Meih Gwok 美國
United Kingdom (England) Y'ing Gwok 英國
France Faat Gwok 法國
Thailand Taai Gwok 泰國
2) People
To refer to the people who live in that country/city, the word “yahn 人(person/
people)” is added to the country/city names.
English People: Country Name + yahn
Chinese Jung Gwok yahn 中國人
Japanese Yaht Bun yahn 日本人
Australian Ou Jau yahn澳洲人
Hong Kong people Heung Gong yahn 香港人
For practice，read out the names of countries again and add the word “y ahn 人” to
the name of the country.
1 You can find more names of countries in the Glossary.
93
3) Nationalities
When you want to ask about one’s nationality or the question 4where are you from?’
you can say:
Question 1 Answer
1) neih haih mat yeh (gwok) yahn a?
你係乜嘢（國）人呀？
(lit, you are what______ (country) people ?) a) ngoh haih + Place + yahn.
2) neih haih bin gwok yahn a?
我係 + Placed
你係邊國人呀？
(lit. you are which country people ?)
3) neih haih bin douh yahn a?
b) ngoh hai + Place + leih ge.
你係邊度人呀？
我 °f系 + Ptoce + °既。
(lit. you are where ?) people
4) neih hai bin douh leih ga?
你喺邊度嚟嘌？
c) ngoh yauh + Place + leih ge.
(lit. you are where?) come
5) neih yauh bin douh leih ga?
丨我由 + Place +嚷 °既。
你由邊度嚟嘌？
(lit. you from where come ?)
Actually the nationality as described above generally refers to one’s current
citizenship or nationality but not his/her “native” origin. The word “jihk 籍，，is used
to indicate one’s current nationality if followed by a distinguishing indication of
his/her native origin. E.g.:
American nationality Meih jihk 美籍
Japanese nationality Yahtjihk 曰籍
British Indian Ying jihk Yan Douh yahn 英籍印度人
French Turk Faat jihk Tou Yih Keih yahn 法籍土耳其人
On the other hand, the word “y euih 裔，’ has added indication of one’s ancestral
origin or descendance from a specific ethnic2 group. E.g.:
Chinese descent / Chinese origin Wah y euih 華裔（Wkh 華 is a word, that indicates
‘China’or ‘Chinese’, e.g. Wah kiuh: overseas Chinese)
Korean descent Hohn yeuih 韓裔
American of African descent Fei yeuih Meih Gwok yahn 非裔美國人
Ccmadicin of French descent Faat yeuih Ga Nah Daaih yahn

法裔加拿大人
\
2 Quf ethnic background describes how we think of ourselves. This may be based on many things，
• I H up for example, our skin colour，language，culture，ancestry or family history. Ethnic background
is NOT same as nationality or country of birth. (Source: Kent County Council，UK)
94
Lesson 5
FYI 一 2. Majors in University ngoh duhk
English Ylng Mahn 英文
fine arts ngaih seuht 藝術

J
history lihk si 歷史 -
translation faan yihk 翻譯
accountancy wuih gai hohk 會計學
IPD
marketing slh cheuhng hohk 市場學
w
dihn ]\ gung chihng 電子x程 ^
electronic engineering
medicine yl hohk醫學
biology sang maht 生物 <

fa hohk 化學 $
chemistry
gin jGk hohk建築學參
_
architecture
psychology sam leih hohk 心理學

\j
economics g'lng jai 經濟
gung seung gun leih 工商管理

business management
FYI — 3. Hobbies ngoh ge hing cheui haih
tiu m6uh 跳舞
dancing
haahng sAan 行山 / Wl
hiking
showing： walking around haahng gaai 行術
leuih hahng 旅行
traveling
teng yam ngohk 聽音樂
listening to music
tai syu睇書
reading
cheung ka laai ou kei 唱卡拉OK
karaoke
Y'ing seung 影相
taking photographs
tai hei瞒戲
watching movies
iuk kei 捉棋 /
playing chess
iaahp yhuh 集郵丨
stamp collecting ■ U---
da mah jeuk打麻雀
nlnvinQ itUlhiOHQ
seuhng mohng 上網
surfing on the internet
Unit 4: Persona] Information
Exercise
1. Fill in the blanks with appropriate numerals and measure words.

1) ngoh yauh__________________________________ uk kei yahn.
2) ngoh yauh__________________________________hing daih jl muih.
3) ngoh bah ba yauh_________________________ che.
4) ngoh ge gwok ga yauh_________________________ daaih hohk.
5) nl douh yauh_______________________________ hohk saang.
2. Make your own speech in Cantonese by answering the following questions.
1) neih giu mat yeh meng a?
2) neih haih mat yeh yahn a?
3) neih gam n'lhn gei do seui a?
4) neih uk kei yauh gei do go yahn a?
5) neih yauh gei do go hlng daih ji muih a?
6) neih y'lh ga jyuh hai bin douh a?
7) neih hai bin douh duhk syu a?
8) neih hai daaih hohk duhk mat yeh fo a?
9) neih ge hing cheui haih mat yeh a?

Lesson 5
3. Match the following country names with the flags.
1) Hohn Gwok
2) Dak Gwok
3) Y!ng Gwok
4) Yi Daaih Leih
5) Jung Gwok 【■:
6) San Ga Bo f)
7) Ga Nah Daaih
8) Faat Gwok
9) Meih Gwok
10) Yaht Bun
blue/white/red
97
Lesson 6 Getting to know a new friend
Learning Objectives
1. To ask for someone’s name
2. To use “mh” to indicate negation of a verb or adjective

3. To ask a Yes-no question
4. To ask and tell one’s know-how/ability with “s-i k”
5. To ask and tell where one comes from
6. The elliptical question with “nb” at the end
7. To express necessity or obligation to do something using ‘‘y iu
mh hou yi s"i, ngoh yauh sih.

ngoh yiu jau la, baai baai.
)Qi\ gin!
Lesson 6
©CD-T58
Dialogue
ôny meets Amy at a welcome party.
Tony: siu je, neih hou, neih giti. mat yeh, meng a?
小姐，您好，•你叫乜嘢•名一 ••呀？
(Hello (Miss), what is your name?)
Amy: ngoh sing Si, giu J^my. neih gwai sing a?
我硅•史，叫A/wy。你貴姓呀？
(My surname is Si and my name is Amy. What's your surname?)
Tony: ngoh sing Leih. giu ngoh Tony la!
我姓李。叫我 7^：y啦！
(My surname is Lee. Just call me Tony.)
Amy, neih haih mh haih Heung Gong yahn a?

，你係唔係香港人呀？
(Amy, are you a Hong Kong citizen?)
Amy: mh haih，ngoh haih Mêih Gwok yahn. neih ne?

唔係，我係美國人。你，呢？
(No, I am American. And you?)
neih yauh bln douhv(eih.ga?
你由邊度飧"噪？
(Where are you from?)
ngoh yauh Ylng GwolQeih ge.
Tony:
我由英國嚟嘅。
(I’mfrom LL K.) _______
ngoh haihâh yeuih Ylng Gwok yahn.
我係.#'• ••裔英國人。

(I’m British of Chinese descent.)
Jhny: gam, neih sik mh sik Jung Mahn a?

瞰，你' 識唔識中文呀？
(Well, do you know how to speak Chinese?)
Tony: sik sl u slu je.

識少少啫。
(Just a little.)
Jimy: Tony, mh hou yi si，ngoh yau.h sih, ngoh yiu jau la, baai baai.
办叩唔好意思，我有事，我要走喇，拜.拜。
(Excuse me, Tony, / have something to do. 1 have to go. Bye- bye.)
Tony: joi gin!

再見！
(See you!)
99
Vocabularri 0CD.T59
1. mat yeh
^ ； QW： ! what; what kind of (also ume y6h”）
!___ \ 1 」•
2. mat 母名 QW: i what name? how is it called?
1 (also ume yeh meng5')
3. s-in.g 姓 j V/N: i be surnamed; surname
;____j „ _ j i
1
4. 史 PN: | [a Chinese surname]
! I I [(in L.6) a commonly transcribed Chinese
. : surname for “Smith”}
5. n&ih gwai sing a?你貴姓呀？; SE: What’s your surname?

j j [a polite and formal way to ask someone’s
i ； | surname, ugwaihere means ,thonorable>,]
i ! !
6. ifi^h 唔（+ Verb /Adjective) Adv: | not； no [used before a verb or adjective
• j
indicating negation]
i ! i
7. .haihmhhaih?係唔係？ Ph: j [a Yes-no question form of the verb 'to be’
； i i I (haxh)]
8_ Heung Gong yahn 香港人 N* Hong Kong citizen

!
9. n&呢？（Noun + ne?) Part: I [an interrogative particle used to form an
• ： i 1 elliptical question which is related to a
: ! previous question, statement or context.]
j ! !
10. neih ne?你呢？ SE: j And you? How about you?
11. yAuh 由(+ Place/Ume) Prep:: from (a Starling point)
12. ga 碟？ (Question + ga?) ;Part: [an interrogative particle used to ask something
i that happened in the past or to require an answer
| straight away]
• !
13. ge °6t. (Statement + ge.) Part: [a modal particle used at the end of a sentence
:to answer a question ending with “ga”orto
1 give an explanation]
14. i Ylng Gwok 英國 :PN: | United Kingdom |
|
15. Ylng Gwok yahn 英國人 PN: ；British
L
16. ! Wah yeuih 華裔 :N: a person of Chinese descent
j: j /“ Wahn means China or Chinese]
j I 1
__ i—:—-—-------- --
:17•: sik 識（+ Object) [v： i (in L.6) know how to do sth.; to have
j j :the ability to do sth.
|_ hr^T：二：一一:二^^•一.-------------- j_____
1 18. J'ung Mahn ：N: ! Chinese language (also ,lJung Man")
i
j_ _ _ _ _ _ i____ 二 <—-----— j
；a few; a little
19. jslu slu 少'少 :Nu:
1_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ :(opp. h 6 u d 6好多：a lot; many)
j ’、-
_ ------ ------------ -
100
Lesson 6
j [a modal particle used at the end of a sentence

20. 啫
Part: meaning ‘only，or *just'to play down the extent
1 or significance of sth.]
I j
_ --- ------------------------ -------------- :
j21. mh hou yi s"i唔好意思 (in L.6) excuse me
iSE:
| j1 (also l,mh hou yi si")
i j : _________ ______________ ____________ •
22/ y&uh_ sih 有事 |Ph: to be occupied (with a matter);
i to have something to do
,, --- ----------------------------------- ^
23. |、y iu 要（+ Verb ) | AV: (in L.6) have to; need to
[vT-
：24. jau走 to leave
._ - V — ― —.—————--— _ •------- ------------------------------------」
25. baai baai 拜拜 |SE: bye-bye
. ______ ■————’
26. joi gin再見 SE: (formal & polite) goodbye,
' :see you (again)
Sentence Structure
1• To ask for someone’s name
1) Surname - What is your surname? (lit. What is your honorable surname?)
■ 1. neih gwai sing a? I

I 2. gwai sing a? ■
•■■■■■.........................................
2) Full name or Given name — What's your name ?
/. me yeh
mat yeh = 2. me
3. mat
:1. neih giu mat veh meng a? :

■ ■
■ 2. neih giu me veh meng a? -

■ ■
； 3. neih giu me meng a? ;
■ _
: 4. neih giu mat meng a?(informal):
i........................................................................ 〆
r •
ôur eâmple(s)
neih gwai sing a?
neih giu mat yeh meng a?
2. To use ‘tth” to indicate negation
e.g. Amy mh haih Heung Gong yahn.

(Amy is not a Hong Kong citizen.)
ôur exampCe(s):
\----------- ------------------------------
102
Lesson 6
3. To ask a Yes-no question
e.g. neih haih mh haih Heung Gong yahn a/?

(A re you a Hong Kong citizen ?)
4. To ask and tell one’s know-how/ability
e.g. Q: neih sik mh sik Jung Mahn a?

(Do you know how to speak Chinese?)
A: (ngoh) sik siu siu je.
(I only speak a little.)
{ Your eâmpie(s)
ngoh sik________
ngoh mh sik___
neih sik mh sik a?
103
5. To ask or tell where one comes from
e.g. Q: neih yauh bin douh leih ga?

(Where are you from?)
A: ngoh yauh Ying Gwok leih ge.
(I come from the United Kingdom.)
6. The elliptical question with 4<ne,J at the end
e.g. 1. ngoh haih Meih Gwok vahn. neih ne?

(Iam American, and you?)
e.g. 2. ngoh giu Amy. neih ne?

(My name is Amy. And you ?)
3. keuih yiu ga fe. neih ne?
(He/She wants some coffee. How about you?)
4. neih sik Yaht Mahn. Ying Mahn ne?
(You speak Japanese. How about English?)
104
Lesson 6
7. To express necessity or obligation to do something
e.g. ngoh yauh sih. ngoh viu jau la.

{I have something to do. I have to go.)
105
FYI 一 1. Languages
ngoh s'lk gong________ ________________________ •

(Language)
1) Mahn or M&n 文：stresses more the written aspect of the language
1) Chinese Jung Mahn; Jung M3n 中文
2) English Ylng Mahn; Ying Man 英文
3) Latin Laai Ding Mahn; Laai Ding Man 拉丁文
4) Spanish Sai Baan Ngah Mahn; Sai Baan Ngah Man 西班牙文
5) French Faat Mahn; Faat Man 法文
6) German Dak Mahn; Dak Man 德文
7) Japanese Yaht Mahn; Yaht Mkn 日文
8) Korean Hohn Mahn; Hohn Man 韓文
9) Thai Taai Mahn; Taai Man 泰文
2) Wa 話:refers to the vernacular speech or spoken form of the language only
i) local dialect bun deih wa本地話
2). foreign language ngoih gwok wa 外國話
3) Cantonese dialect (as opposed to other Gwong Dung Wa 廣東話

Chinese dialects)
4) Guangzhou dialect (as opposed to other Gwong Jau Wa 廣州話
dialects spoken in Guangdong Province)
5) Shanghaiese dialect Seuhng Hoi Wa 上海話
6) Spanish Sai Baan Ngah Wa 西班牙話
7) Filipino Fei Leuht Ban Wa 菲律賓話
8) Korean Hohn Gwok Wa 韓國話
9) Japanese Yaht Bun Wa a 本話
10) Osaka dialect Daaih Ba'a-n Wa 大阪話

Lesson 6
FYI — 2. Skills
Q: neih slk mh slk a?
1) to drive (a vehicle) ja che揸車 j
2) to type 心jih打字
3) to play piano taahn k&hm 彈琴
4) to play violin laai siu taih kahm 拉小提琴

/
5) to play mahjong da mah jeuk 打麻雀
6) to cook jyu faahn 煮飯
— 3. Sports
1) swimming yauh seui 游水
2) diving chihm seui 潛水

。。螽 -
3)
4)
ice-skating
skiing
lauh blng 溜冰
waaht syut 滑雪
f：
5) waaht lohng fung faahn 滑浪風帆
wind-sutfing
yaai daan che 踩單車（also 'chaai daan che’)
cycling
da gung fu打功夫
7) kungfu
weight lifting geui chuhng 舉重
da yuh mouh kauh 打羽毛球

9) playing badminton
da leuih kauh 打壘球
10) playing baseball
da laahm kauh 打籃球
11) playing basketball
da gou ylh fu kauh打高爾夫球
12) playing golf
da blng bam bo打兵兵波
13) playing table tennis
da bik kauh打壁球
14) playing squash
da mohng kauh 打網球
15) playing tennis
da paaih kauh 打排球
16) playing volley-ball
tek juk kauh 踢足球
17) playing soccer/football
fj.
paau bouh 跑步
18) running; jogging
107
Exercise
1. Use the given phrases to form a Yes-no question first and then give a positive
or negative answer according to your own situation,
e.g. neih/haih/ daaih hohk saang
Q' neih haih mh haih daaih hohk saang a?
A (yes): haih, ngoh haih daaih hohk saang.

A (no): mh haih, ngoh mh haih daaih hohk saang. ngoh haih louh s'k
1) neih/haih/ gaau wuhn hohk saang
Q：__ ___ _
A (yes/no):______________________________________________________ __________
2) n"i douh/ haih/ Heung Gong Dou
Q： _
A (yes/no):___________________________________________________________________________
3) «eih/ seung/ wuhn/ Gong Baih
h_____________________ __________________________________________________________
A (yes/no):_________________________________________________________________
4) neih/ yauh/ hing daih jl muih
Q：
A (yes/no):______________________________________________________________ ___
5) %ny/ slk/ Gwong Dung Wa

jk：
Q-—
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
A (yes/no):_____________________________________________________________ • neih ne?

f '
A (yes/no):___________ ____________________________________________________
6) Heung Gong/ hou
Q:----------- --------- -------------------------------------------------------------
A (yes/no):_________________________________________________________________
108
2. Ask the following questions in Cantonese.
1) What’s your surname?
2) What is your name?
3) Where are you from?
4) How old are you this year?
5) Are you a student from the International University?
6) Where do you live now?
7) What is your major in university?
8) How many brothers and sisters do you have?
9) Do you know how to speak Chinese?
10) What are your hobbies?
1) He doesn’t want to have coffee.
2) I’m American of Chinese descent.
3) I only know how to speak a little Cantonese.
4) Excuse me. I have to go now.

Lesson 7 My Chinese friend
Learning Objectives
1 • To tell one’s occupation or working place
2. To use the verb “gaau (teach)”
3. To know the function of “d6u” in a parallel situation
4. To express one’s likes or dislikes
5. To ask a Yes-no question with a disyllabic “jung y i”
6. To use “tuhng” to indicate doing something with someone together
7. To indicate how often an action occurs 广
naahm pahng yauh Person / gaau Person 2 + Skill/Knowledge
neuih pahng yauh Person hohk + Skill / Knowledge

Lesson 7
l ©CD-T60
Amytells Jing-Jing about her Chinese friend, Siu-Ping.
n'g6h yauh yat go Jung Gwok pahng yauh. keuih giu Chahn Siu P'lhng.
我有一個中國朋友。佢叫陳小平。
(7 have a Chinese friend. Her name is Siu-Ping Chan.)
ngoh giu keuih a P'lhng. keuih haih Gwong Dung yahn.

我叫佢阿平。佢係廣東人。
(Icall her “Ah-Ping”. She is Cantonese.)
a Plhng haih yat wai jung y"i.
阿平係一位中醫。
(Ah-Ping is a doctor of Chinese medicine.)
keuih hai Heung Gong Jung Yi Hohk Yun jouh yeh.
佢喺香港中醫學院做嘢。
(She works in the Hong Kong College of Chinese Medicine.)
keuih sik gong Pou Tung Wa. keuih dou slk gong s"iu slu Ying Man.
佢識講普通話。佢都識講少少英文。
(She speaks Mandarin. She also knows speaking a little English.)
a P'lhng mouh Y'ing Man louh si,
阿平冇英文老師，\
(Ah-Ping does not have an English teacher”")
bat gwo a Plhng ge naahm pahng yauh haih Ying Gwok yahn.
不過阿平嘅男朋友係英國人。
(•••but her boyfriend is British.)
keuih giu Tony.

佢叫 Tony。
(His name is Tony.)
Tony g a a u a Pihng Ying Man, a P'lhng gaau Tony Gwong Dung Wa.
Tony敎阿平英文，阿平教如以廣東話。
(Tony teaches Ah-Ping English and Ah-Ping teaches Tony Cantonese.)
Tony mh jung y i gaau Ylng Man,

Tony唔中意教英文，
(Tony doesn’t like to teach English, ...)
bat gwo keuih hou jung yi hohk Gwong Dung Wa.
不過佢好中意學廣東 g舌。
(•"but he likes to learn Cantonese very much.)
keuih sih sih tuhng a Pihng yat chaih lihn jaahp Gwong Dung Wa.
佢時時同阿平一齊練習廣東話。
(He always practices Cantonese with Ah-Ping together.)
Ill
îabUlarL 一 ©CD-T61
j
1. Jung Gwok pahng yauh N: i a Chinese friend
中國朋友（M: go個） | ûpahng yauh 朋友”.friend)
：； j
i
2. Chahn Siu P'lhng 陳小平 PN: i (a Chinese name]
i 1 tChahn,* is the surname and <4Si u Pi hng” is |
1 ! the given name used by male or female
i
| 3. a 阿（+ Name) Pref: 1 [used as a prefix to names; a polite and
i friendly form of addressing people]
(e.g. a-Pihng ) _________ …
…---------------- '•
4. Gwong Dung yahn 廣東人：N: : Cantonese people
5. w&i 位 MW: ! [a measure word for a person and a way to

I show respect]
(e.g. yat wai louh si ) 1
6. jiingyi 中醫 N: ; a doctor of Chinese medicine
7. hohk yun 學院 N: college, faculty

i _______i
8. g6ng 講[+Object) V: to speak; to talk
9. Pou Tung Wa 普通話 N: (lit. common speech) Mandarin/ Potunghua

1
I [the modem Chinese language]
10. dou 都（+ Verb /Adjective) Adv: also, too

i... î
11. Ying Man 英文 N: English (also “Ying Mahn*5)
12. bat gwo不過 Conj: but, however
13. naahm pahng yauh 男朋友 N: boyfriend (opp. Uneuih pahng yauh
i
女朋友’’〔girlfriend)
.. " __ i
. 1
14. gaau 教(+ Person + Object) ;V: ! to teach
l
15. hohk 學(+Object) i V: :to learn, to study

j
1 j
16. jiingyi 中意/錢意(+ Object) i
V: to like, be fond of
1 i -
» i
17. h6u 好Adjective) :Adv: very
(e.g. bou hou: very good ) ■
1
18. s'ih s'ih 時時 i Adv: j always; often

!
I (also l,g"ing seuhng 經常”）
i
J_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ j ]
19. tiihng 同（+ Person + Verb ) :Prep: with (someone to do something)
20. yat chaih 一齊（+ 设冰） Adv: ;(do something) together

i
21. ! lihn jaahp 練習 V/N: to practice; practice

j !
Lesson 7
Sentence Structure
1. To tell one’s occupation or working place
e.g. a Pihng haih yat wai jung yi.

(Ah-Ping is a doctor of Chinese medicine.)
keuih hai Heung Gong Jung Yi Hohk Yun iouh yeh.
(She works in the Hong Kong College of Chinese Medicine.)
2. To use the verb “teach”
e.g. keuih gaau a Pihng Ying Man.

(He teaches Ah-Ping English.)
Your ej(ampLe(s):
U3
LLnit 4: Personal Information
3. The function of “d6u” in a parallel situation

e.g. 1. keuih sik gong Pou Tung Wa.
(She speaks Mandarin,)
keuih dou sik gong siu siu Yine Man.
(She also speaks a Utile English.)
e.g. 2. a P'lhng haih Tony ge neuih pahne vauh.

(Ah-Ping is Tony’s girlfriend.)
keuih dou haih Tony ge Gwong Dung Wa louh sj.

(She is also Tony's Cantonese teacher.)
e.g. 3. Amy hai^ a P'lhng ge pahng yauh.
(Amy is Ah-Ping’s friend.)
Tony dou haih a P'lhng ge pahng yauh.

(Tony is also Ah-Ping's friend.)
e.g. 4. Ying Gw ok vahn gong Ying Man.
(British speak English.)
Meih Gwok yahn dou pong Ying Man.
(Americans also speak English.)
Lesson 7
4. To express one’s likes and dislikes
e.g. Tony hou iupg yj hohk Gwong Dung Wa.

(Tony likes to learn Cantonese very much.)
ôny Ah jung vi gaau Ying Man.

(Tony doesn’t like to teach English.)
^Your eâmp(e(s):
ngoh hou jung yi____
ngoh mh jung yi_____
neih jung mh jung yi
5. To ask a Yes-no question with a disyllabic Ujung yi”
Subject + jung yi + mh jung yi Object + a?

(Noun/Verbal phrase)
1. Heung Gong (Hong Kong)

2. tai dihn sih (to watch TV)
3. tai hei (to watch a movie)
4. seuhng mohng (to surf on the internet)
115
î^-PgBQpal Information
6. To use liihng” to indicate doing something with someone together

e.g. keuih s'lh s'lh tuhng a Pihng yat chaih lihn jaahp Gwong Dung Wa.
e a^ways practices Cantonese with Ah-Ping together.)
ôur e^_amp[e(s)
ngohtuhng
7. To indicate how often an action occurs
e.g. keuih sih sih tuhng a P'lhng yat chaih lihn jaahp Gwong Dung Wa.
(He always practices Cantonese with Ah-Ping together.)
Subject 4- Adverb of Frequency + Verb / Verbal nhrase.

i k
1- tai dihn sih (to watch TV)

2. tai hei (to watch a movie)
4. sihk yin (to smoke)
)
1. yauh s'lh (sometimes)
2. gaanjung (occasionally)
3. hou slu (rarely; seldom)
4. chuhng loih mh (never)
V ------------------- /
广，
^Your eâmpCe(s):
<---------- ------- ------------ -------------------------------------- ---------------------------------- )

Lesson 7
FYI — 1. Occupations
Wor~^ .一一和 f 〜一;一- w•一—一
keuih haih (yat go/wai)
1. accountant ! wuih gai si 會計師

iI
2. civil servant | gung mouh yuhn 公務員

!I
3. coach; instructor I gaau lihn 教練
_
_____ __ fy__ _________ ___________ _____ __
4. cook; a chef | cheuih si 蔚師

j (also Ctchyuh si”）
si gei司機
slu fohng y{ihn 消防員
i !
: ------------1 ______________________________________________ _
gaau sauh 教授
12.: professor
i i
j
! 一 --JI __________________ ______________________*
sauh fo yuhn 售貨員
；13. ' salesperson
J
| ilv—」
； 1 ———.. • ■' ■ ————
——_———j ―:—•： —A/
| domestic helper
! ngahn hohng cheut naahp yuhn
j 15. ! teller 丨銀行出納員 —
I
sih ying 侍應
i 16. | waiter; waitress
117
FYI — 2. Working places
keuih hai jouh yeh.
1. hotel \ jau dim 酒店 >

i
2. school hohk haauh 學校
3. hospital ^ oO OOC3|S^)
o(__
yl yun醫院
i o o op
loo 卜M
4. clinic chan so診所
5. bank _ ngahn hohng 銀行
6. Chinese restaurant jau lauh 酒樓
7. restaurant chaan teng

|
.
-…""" ....... 一
8. department store baak fo gung si 貨公司
丨
insurance company bou him gung si保險公司
10. government departments jing fu bouh muhn 政府部門
11. accounting firm wuih gai si lauh 會計師樓
12. factory gung chong 工廠

Ij "
13. company; corporation; firm ! gung s"i 公司
118
Lesson 7
Exercise
Re-arrange the various parts of the following sentences in their right order.
1) pahng yauh / yauh / ngoh / Jung Gwok/. / yat go /
2) haih / Gwong Dung yahn / . /keuih/
3) gong / sik / Pou Tung Wa. / keuih /
3) gaau / keuih / Gwong Dung Wa / a P'lhng / • /
5) haih / yat /jung yl / ./ aP'ihng / wai /
6) Ylng Man / sliu sIu / sik / keuih / dou / gong /. /
2. Add the words in the brackets to the following sentences by placing ‘‘ 4 ’’ at

the appropriate positions.
e.g. ngoh haih Heung Gong Daaih hohk ^hohk saang. ( ge )
1) a P'lhng lihn jaahp Ying Man. (tuhng Tony)
2) a Pihng sik gong Pou Tung Wa, keuih sik gong Ylng Man. (dou)
3) Tony si k Pou Tung Wa. (slu siu)
4) a Pihng haih yat jung yi. (wai)
5) keuih hohk Gwong Dung Wa. (hai daaih hohk)
6) keuih jung yi ying seung. (hou)
7) Tony Whn jaahp yauh seui. (sih sih)
8) Chahn louh si gaau Gwong Dung Wa. (ngoh deih)
U9
Lesson 8 Chatting with a friend
Learning Objectives
1• To ask and tell when an event happens
2. To inquire about one’s occupation or working place
3. To tell if someone is busy or not with adverb of degree
4. To know the function of “d6u” expressing all-inclusive or no exception
5. To express that an action/activity is not necessary using “iih sai”
6. To ask and tell what one likes to do in one’s free time
7. To state a continuous action or activity with “gan”
8. To know how to respond to a compliment
SI
neih gei sih leih Heung Gong ga?
ngoh gam nlhn gau vuht vat houh
leih Heung Gong ge.
ngoh vauh s'ing keih yat ji
s'ing keih ngh dou hou mohng.
120
Lesson 8
Dialogue
一•……，-.穿
^~~
@cd-t62
ôny is practicing Cantonese with his girlfriend, Siu-Ping.
Siu-(Ping: Tony, neih gei s"ih leih Heung Gong ga?

Tony，你幾時嚟香港喋？
(Tony, when did you come to Hong Kong?)
Tony: ngoh gam n\hn gau yuht yat houh leih Heung Gong ge.
我今年九月一號嚟香港嘅。
(I came to Hong Kong this year on the ls, of September.)
Siu-(Ping: neih yl h ga hai b"in douh jouh yeh a?

你而家喺邊度做嘢呀？
(Where are you working now?)
Tony: ngoh hai leuht si lauh jouh yeh, ngoh haih leuht si.
我喺律師樓做嘢，我係律師。 ’
(/ work in a law firm. I,m a lawyer.)
Siu-<Ping: neih mohng mh mohng a?

你忙唔忙呀？
(Are you busy?)
Tony: ngoh yauh sing keih yat ji sing keih ngh dou hou mohng,
我由星期一至星期五都好忙。
(lam very busy from Monday to Friday.)
ngoh yiu faan gung.
我要返工。
(I have to go to work.)
bat gwo jau muht mh sai faan gung, hou dak haahn.
不過周末唔使返工，好得閒。
(But at the weekends 1 don’t need to go to work, / have a lot offree time then.)
Siu-^Ping: neih dak haahn jung yi jouh mat yeh a?
你得閒中意做乜嘢呀？ •
(What do you like to do in yourfree time?)
Tony: ngoh dak haahn jung yi ylng seung...
我得閒中意影相…
(I like taking photographs…)
tuhng lihn jaahp Gwong Dung Wa.
同練習廣東話。
(...and practicing Cantonese in my free time.)
Siu-(Ping: neih ge Gwong Dung Wa hou lek wo.

你嘅廣東話好叻喁。
(Your Cantonese is very good.)
Tony: do jeh! mah ma dei je. ngoh yih ga hohk gan Gwong Dung Wa
多謝！麻麻哋啫。我而家學緊廣東話。_
(Thank you! I speak just so-so. I’m learning Cantonese at the moment.)
121
Vocabulary ©CD-T63
------------ ------------------ —---------------------------------------------- —--------------------- ---------------------------
1. gei sih 幾時 QW: when; at what time

| 1 {
2. yuht 月（/v“. 1-.12+yuht ) N: months of the year (January-December)

(See p.37-40) ••_________ _____!
3. : houh 號（版 1-31 + houh ) N: days of the month (1sl day to 31st day) i
4. leuht si 律師 N: lawyer
|_______ L. •…_■ _ —........................... __i
5. leuht si lauh 律師樓 N: law firm
;」 - * 」
6. ipbhng 忙 Adj: busy
..._ — ___ _______ _________ i
7. dak haahn 得閒 Adj: have free time; not busy
8. sing keih 星期（+M/.1-6) N: week; days of the week (Mon.-Sat.)
i ' (also Klaih baai 禮拜”)(Seep.37-40)
9. sing keih yat 星期一^ )N: Monday (also ulaih baai yat 禮拜一”）
10. sing keih ngh 星期五：

N: Friday (also ulaih baai ngh 禮拜五”）
i
11 • j i 至（+ Place/Time)) Prep: until; to (an ending point) (also “dou 到”)
:. j
12. | dou 都 f Subject in plural + dou ) Adv： (in L.8) all; all-inclusive [no exception]
13. faan gung 返工 VO: to go to work; go on duty

•
(opp. “fong gung 放工to finish work)
[ j
14. jau muht 周末 N: weekend i
15. mh sai 唔使 SE: no need [the negative form o/“y iu 要，7 ■

：
16. jouh 做(+Object) V: to do; to work; to engage in
j
17. jouh mat yeh 做也臂 SE: do what? [a phrase for asking what kind of
activity or action is happening]
18. ying seung 影相 & VO: to take photos
19.丨以°力彡鐵，. Adj: smart; sharp; brilliant; capable

•_
20. W0 口尚（Statement + W 0 ) Part: (in L.8) [a modal particle used to indicate

j ^ surprise, discovery or realization]
I____'< -------—------- -• — ____ ____
__________ —. •.…—— _________
j 21. do jeh 多謝 SE: thank you (foracompliment)

_ j
22. mah ma dei 麻麻9地 Adv: so-so

•
23. gan 緊（设叻 + gin (+ 0勿.邮） Part: [an aspect particle used after a verb
indicating an action in progress]
(e.g.hohk gan Gwong Ding Wa)
122
\
Lesson 8
Sentence Structure
1. To ask and tell when an event happens
e g. Q: Tony，neih gei sih leih Heung Gong ga?

(Tony, when did you come to Hong Kong?)
A: ngoh gam nihn gau vuht vat houh leih Heung Gong ge.
(I came to Hong Kong this year on the Is' of September.)
2. To inquire about one’s occupation or working place
bin douh (where) jouh yeh

jouh sih
Subject -f hai mat yeh gung si + + a ?
faan gung
(what kind of company) (to work)
----- —---------^
ôur eâmp(e(s):
V_________________________ ____________—-------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- -
123
3. To tell if someone is busy or not with adverb of degree
e.g. ngoh yauh sing keih yat ji sing keih ngh dou hou mohng.
(7 aw very busy from Monday to Friday.)
ôur ej(amp[e(s)
neih gei sih dak haahn a?
ngoh______________________________________mohng/dak haahn.
(Time Word) (Adverb of degree) j
4. To know the function of “d6u” expressing all-inclusive or no exception

e.g. ngoh yauh sing keih yat ji sing keih ngh dou hou mohng.
(I am very busy from Monday to Friday.)
.....\
r ôur exampCe(s):
dou
(subject in plural) J
v_____ 一—二--------- ---------------------
124
Lesson 8
5. To express an unnecessary action/activity using “mh sai^
e.g_ (ngoh) jau muht mh sai faan gung.

(7 don’t need to go to work at the weekends.)
6. To ask and tell what one likes to do in one’s free time
e.g. Q: neih dak haahn jung vi iouh mat veh a?

(What do you like to do in your free time?)
A: neoh dak haahn iung vi vine seung.

(I like taking photographs in my free time.)
Q: Subject + dak haahn + jung yi + jouh n iat yeh + a ?
A: Subject + dak haahn + jung yi + Verbal phrase.

ii
1. tai syu (to read books)

2. tai bou ji (to read newspapers)
4. tuhng pahng yauh king gai (to chat with friends)
5. hai uk kei fan gaau (to sleep at home)
Y'our exgmpCe(s):
ngoh dak haahn jung yi
neih dak haahn jung yi jouh mat yeh a?

J
125
7. To state a continuous action or activity with ugan?,
e.g. ngoh yih ga hohk gan Gwong Dung Wa.

(I’m learning Cantonese at the moment.)
8. To know how to respond to a compliment
X: neih ge Gwong Dung Wa hou lek wo.

(Your Cantonese is very good.)
Y: 1) do jeh!
(Thank you!)
2) mah ma dei je.

(Just so-so.)
3) neih gwo jeung la. (formal)

(Your're flattering me.)
126
Lesson 8
FYI — 1. Common Activities
How do you spend your leisure time?
Q: nîh dak haahn jung yi jouh mat yeh a?
A: ngoh dak haahn jung yi_____________________
to chat king gai 傾偈
2. to chat on the phone king dihn wa 傾電話
3. to dance tiu mouh 跳舞
4. to do physical exercise jouh wahn duhng 做運動
5. to do shopping; buy something 靡》 maaih yeh 買研
6. to eat something sihk yeh 食0
7. to take a bath or shower chung leuhng 冲凉
8.
9.
to go shopping; walk around
to go to restaurant for dim-sum

haahng gaai 行衝
yam chah 飲茶
麟
10. to listen to music teng yam ngohk It音樂
11. to play ball games A da bo打波

__________ ___ ________ i/ JJ/iC
12. to play soccer tek bo踢波
13. to read books | tai syu 睹書
14. to run; to jog | paau bouh 跑步

_____
15. to sleep ; fan gaau 瞓覺
16. to stroll; leisurely walk saan bouh 散步

______ I__________________________ _____
17- to surf on the internet i seuhng
j
mohng 上網
____
18. to swim yauh seui 游水
i ~
• —«——• -—— --------■ ——
19._ to take photographs ；y’ing seung 影相
20. to visit a friend ! taam pahng yauh 4菜朋&

一一一
21. to watch a film/movie tai hei梯戲
127
FYI —2. Time Words '
When is your birthday?

Q: neih gei sih saang yaht a/ga?
A: ngoh__________________________________ _______ saang yaht.
past present future

chi hn nin gauh nln gam nin cheutnin hauh nin
year
/chi hn nihn /gauh nihn /gam nihn /cheutnihn /hauh nihn
ni hn 年後年
前年舊年今年出年
the year before last year this year next year the year after
last next
joi seuhng go seuhng go gam go yuht hah go yuht joi hah go
yuht yuht /ni go yuht 下個月 yuht
month
再上個月上個月今個月/呢個月 next month 再下個月
yuht 月
the month before last month this month ihe month after
last next
joi seuhng go seuhng go gam go sing keih hah go sing joi hah go
袱芒必/：本 si ng keih sing keih /ni go sing keih keih si ng keih
sing keih 再上個星期上個星期今個星期下個星期再下個星期
星期 the week before last week /呢個星期 next week the week after
last this week next
chi hn yaht kahm yaht gam yaht t"ing yaht hauh yaht
day
前曰 /chahm yaht 今曰聽曰後曰
yaht 9 琴曰/噚曰 the day after
the day before today tomorrow
yesterday yesterday tomorrow
♦Note that “laih baai 禮拜’’ is also commonly used for week.
The twelve Months and the days of the week
January yat yuht 一月 July chat yuht 七月

February yih yuht 二月 August baat yuht 八月
March saam yuht 三月 September gau yuht 九月
April sei yuht 四月 October sahp yuht 十月
May ngh yuht 五月 November sahp yat yuht 十一月
June luhk yuht 六月 December sahp yih yuht 十二月
Monday sing keih yat 星期一 laih baai yat 禮拜一

Tuesday si ng keih yih 星期二 laih baai yih 禮拜二
Wednesday si ng keih saam 星期三 laih baai saam 禮拜三
Thursday sing keih sei 星期四 laih baai sei 禮拜四
Friday si ng keih ngh 星期五 laih baai ngh 禮拜五
Saturday sing keih luhk 星期六 laih baai luhk 禮拜六
^Sunday sing keih yaht 星期曰 laih baai yaht 禮拜曰
128
Exercise
1. Translate the following questions and answer them in Cantonese.
1) When did you come to Hong Kong?
Q：
A:__________________ ____________________________________
2) What day of the week do you learn Cantonese?
Q：
儿.
3) Where do you learn Cantonese?
Q：
A：
4) Where do you work?
Q：
A;
5) What kind of company are you working for now?
Q：
A: _
6) What do you like to do in your free time?
Q: __
k:
7) What are you doing right now?
Q：____________________ _________________________________
A;________________ ____ :----------------------------------------

8) Do you have free time on Sunday?
<2--------------------- —
—----------------------------------------------
A:_____
129
2. Re-arrange the various parts of the following sentences in their right order.
1) Tony jouh sih / hai/ leuht si lauh/./
2) keuih ge/ hou/ Gwong Dung Wa/ wo / lek/./
3) mh sai/ keuih/ faan hohk/ sing keih luhk/./
4) gam nihn/ ngoh/ sahp houh/ leih Heung Gong ge/ yat yuht/./
5) yih ga/ gan/ lihn jaahp/ ngoh deih/ Gwong Dung Wa/./
6) keuih/ dou/ sing keih yat/ sing keih luhk/ yauh/ ji/ yiu faan
gung/./
7) Tony/jung yi/ tuhng/ dak haahn/ ying seung/ teng yam ngohk/./
3. Add the structural particle “g&n” to the following common activities to

indicate the action in progress.
J) king gai > k'ing gan gai ll)tek bo
2) tiu mouh 12)tai syu
3) jouh wahn duhng 13) paau bouh
4) maaih yeh 14) fan gaau
5) sihk yeh 15) saan bouh
6) chung leuhng 16) seuhng mohng
7) haahng gaai 17) yauh seui
8) yam chah 18) ylng seung
9) teng yam ngohk 19) taam pahng yauh
—- ---- :■
.
10) da bo 20) tai hei
---------- --------
130
Vnit Tive
^ssentiaC(Basic Conversation
Lesson 9. Looking for a place
Lesson 10. What is this
Lesson 11. Ordering food
Lesson 12. Having a dim-sum lunch
Lesson 13. Buying & bargaining
Lesson 14. Taking public transportation
Lesson 15. Finding your way

Unit 5: Essential Basic Conversation
Lesson 9 Looking for a place
Learning Objectives
1. To tell & ask the purpose of a motion/joumey
2. To ask politely with “chbng mahn” before a question
3. To express “There is."’’ and “There isn’t."” using “y&uh” and “m6uh”
4. To ask the existence of something in a certain place with “yauh mouhJ,
5. To ask where one can find something or a place using t4b"in douh yauh
6. To know how to respond after being thanked for
jou sahn, heui bin douh a?
ngoh seung heui sihk iou chaan.
cheng mahn b~in douh yauh chaan teng a?
132
®CD-T64
Dialogue
^my >neets the receptionist of the hostel in the lobby.

加y: jou sahn. \.
早晨。 4
(Good Morning.)
^ceptionist: jou sahn, heui bin douh a?

早晨，去邊度呀？
(Good Morning, where are you going?)
Amy: ngoh seung heui sihk jou chaan.

我 _.想去食早 > 餐。
(7 would like to go to have breakfast.)*
cheng mahn bln douh yauh chaan teng a?

請問邊度有 '餐廳呀?
(May I ask where there’s a restaurant?)
^ceptionist: yih lau yauh yat gaan chah chaan teng.

二:樓有一間 '茶餐廳。
(There is a Hong Kong style cafe on the second floor.)
Arny: gam, n"i douh yauh mouh ngahn hohng a?

瞰，呢度有冇銀行呀?
(Well, is there a bank around here?)
Receptionist: mouh, ni douh mouh ngahn hohng,

冇，呢度冇銀行。
(No, there is no bank around here.)
neih heui ngahn hohng jouh mat yeh a?

你去銀行做乜嘢呀？
(What are you going to the bank for?)
JiTtiy: ngoh seung heui ngahn hohng 16 yat dl chin.

我想_ 去銀行攞一啲錢。
(I want to go to the bank to withdraw some money.)
iTi douh fuh gahn yauh mouh ATM a?

呢度附近有冇 A7M0牙？
(Is there an ATM nearby?)
(Receptionist: ngoh mh ji dou a. bat gwo deih tit jaahm leuih mihn
我.唔知道呀。氺.地鐵站裏.面
(I don’t know. But / know inside the MTR station…)
yauh ngahn hohng tuhng jih duhng gwaih yuhn gei.

有、銀’行同自動櫃員機。
(“•there area bank and an Automatic Teller Machine.)
Jimy: hou aak, mh goi. bAai baai.

好呃，唔該。拜拜。
(Okay, thank you. Bye-bye.)
Receptionist: mh sai mh goi, baai baai.

唔使唔該，拜拜。
(Not at all. Bye-bye.)
Lj_nit 5: Essential Basic Conversation
Vocabulary @ CD -T65
1- jou sahn 早晨 Ph: good morning
2. \sihk 食(+ Object) V: to eat
3. jou chaan 早餐 N: breakfast

(M： chaan 餐/ go個）
4. cheng mahn 請問 V: May I ask... (also “chfing mahn”)
5. ' ahaan teng 餐廳（M:g5an 間） N: restaurant

• 、
6. chah chaan teng N: Hong Kong style cafe
(M: gian 間）
7. . gSan 間 M: [a measure word for buildings; houses and

rooms]
8. 1為u 樓（M<. + lau) ;N: (in L.9) floor
9. yih lau 二樓 Ph: second floor
10. ngahn hohng 銀行（m: g5an 間）N: bank
11 • 16擁（+ Object) V: to take; to get; to fetch
】2. 16 c Ki n攞錢 VO: withdraw money
13. jl dou 知道 V: to know about (also shortened as “ji 知”）
】4- 附近 N: vicinity; nearby
15. jih duhng 自動 Adj: automatic
16. gwaih yuhn gei 櫃員機 N: teller machine
17. jih duhng gwaih yuhn gei N: ATM [Automatic Teller Machine] 顚
含動櫃員機、
cash machine
18. deih tit 地鐵 N: MTR [Mass Transit Railway]

insit Rail，
m
19. jaahm 站（M go個） N: station; a stop
20. deih tit jaahm 地鐵站 N: MTR station
2J. leuih mihn 裏面 N: inside; in
22. mh sai mh goi 唔使°吾該 SE: (lit. no need for thanks) not at all；
〆/ . You’re welcome.
i chah chaan teng is a typical Hong Kong term. Hong Kong style cafe is the only place you will find
serving genuine local food such as Cantonese congee, fish ball rice noodle, beef brisket noodles or rice with
barbecue pork while you may also order Western style drinks and snacks such as French toast, sandwiches
or fried chicken wings, etc.
134
Lesson 9
Sentence Structure
To tell & ask the purpose of a motion/journey
e.g. 1_ ngoh seung heui sihk iou chaan.

(7 would like to go to have breakfast.)
e.g. 2. neih heui ngahn hohng iouh mat veh a?

(What are you going to the bank for?)
e.g. 3. ngoh seung heui ngahn hohng 16 vat di clnn.
(7 want to go to the bank to withdraw some money.)
Q: Subject + heui (to go) (+ Place ) + jouh mat veh + a ?

leih (to come)
A: Subject + faan (to return) Place ) + Verbal phrase.
(destination) (purpose)
l^ i
1. Jeih Heung Gong (to come to HK)

2. heui touh syu gun (to go to library)
3. heui yi yun (to go to hospital)
4. faan uk kei (to go home)
1. leuih hahng (to travel)

2. duhk syu (to study)
3. taam pahng yauh (to visit a friend)
4. jouh gung fo (to do homework)
A
^Your eâmp(e(s):
ngoh leih Heung Gong ■
(purpose)
V
2. To ask politely with 44cheng mahn” before a question
e.g. chepg mahn bi n douh yauh chaan teng a?

{May l ask where there’s a restaurant?)
Q： cheng mahn/chmg mahn + Question ?

i r
1. neih gwai sing a? (What's your surname?)

2. neih hai bin douh jouh sih a? (Where are you working?)
3. sai sau gaan hai bin douh a? (Where is the washroom?)
4. neih yauh mouh san fan jing a? (Have you got I.D. card?)
k —
135
3. To express “There is...” and “There isn't...using ‘"y&uh” and
e.g. 1. yih lau yauh yat gaan chah chaan teng.

(There is a Hong Kong style cafe on the second floor.)
e.g. 2. deih tit jaahm leuih mihn yauh ngahn hohng tuhng ATM.
(There are a bank and an ATM inside the MTR station.)
rYour eâmpCe(s):
yauh
(Place) (Nu. + MW+ Noun)
mouh
ngoh uk kei yauh

(Position Word)
136
Lesson 9
4. To ask the existence of something in a certain place
e.g. n'i douh yauh mouh ngahn hohng a?

(Is there a bank around here?)
5. To ask where one can find something or a place
e.g. bi n douh vauh chaan teng a?

(Where can I find a restaurant?)
Q: bin douh + yauh + Nc un + a ?
1. dihn wa (telephone)
2. yauh guk (post office)
3. dik si jaahm (taxistand)
4. jih duhng gwaih yuhn gei (ATM)
--------------------------- ^
'Your ej(amp(e(s):
a?
_____________________________________ J
\---------------------------- ----------------- ----------- -
6. To know how to respond after being thanked for
Xj： mh goi.
(Thank you.)
Yj： mh sai mh goi. or mh ski haak hei.
(Not at all.) (Don’t mention it.)
X2： do jeh.
(Thank you.)
^ ieh of iih sai haak hei.
y2 ： ^relelJe.) ' (Dont,nen,ionU.)
137
■Unit 5: Essential Basic Conversation
FYI — 1. Position Words
ngoh uk kei yauh

(Position Word)
seuhng 上
seuhng mihn 上面 (above; on-top)
hah下
2. hah mihn 下面 (below; under)
j6左
3. jo mihn 左面 (the left side)
yauh 右 mihn 面 |
4. yauh mihn 右面 (the right side)
chihn前卜卜（bihn 便）i
5. chihn mihn 前面 (the front side)
hauh 後 (bin 邊）|
6. hauh mihn 後面 (at the back)
16uih 裏
7. leuih mihn 裏面 (inside)
ngoih.外 8. ngoih mihn 外面 (outside)
yahp 入
9. yahp mihn 入面 (inside)
cheut 出
\^10> chcut mihn 出面 (outside)
11. deui mihn 對面 (opposite (side))

12. jung gaan 中間 (in the middle of; centre)
13 gaak leih 隔籬 (neighboring; next to)
14. pohng bin 旁邊 (beside; by the side of)
15. jak bin 側邊 (beside; by the side of)
16. fuh gahn 附近 (vicinity; nearby)
17. jau waih 周圍 (around; surroundings)
18. lauh seuhng 樓上 (upstairs)
19. lauh hah 樓下 (downstairs)
20. deih ha 地下 m (ground floor)
138
Lesson 9
... -j... ----- 々一^从....和*
FYI — 2. Neighbourhood
neih uk kei fuh gahn yauh mouh a?
bi n douh yauh____________ __________ a?
Fire Station |
ElStiPtRfimn
9. k ' 13.
10. m-M
1. faai chaan dim fast food shop 9. chi u kap slh cheuhng supermarket
快餐店超級市場
2. bihn leih dim convenience 10. baak fo gung si department

便利店 store 百貨公司 store
3. jau dim酒店 hotel 11. yauh guk 鄙局 post office
47 syu dim書店 bookshop 12. g'ing guk 警局 police station
5. yi yun醫院 hospital 13. s"iu fohng guk 消防局 fire station
6. cinema 14. yeuhk fohng 藥矣 pharmacy

hei yun戲院
i7 gung yun 公園 park 15. chan so診所 clinic
8. gaai slh 街市 market 16. touh syu gun ® 書館 library
139
L3nit 5: Essential Basic Conversation
Exercise
1. How should you respond to the following?
1) A: neih hou 3) A: mh goi
B:_________ B:_________
2) A: jou sahn 4) A: baai baai
B: B:
1) I live on the thirteen floor of the hostel for foreign students.
2) I want to go to a restaurant for my breakfast.
3) Where can I find a student canteen?
4) There is a Hong Kong style cafe nearby.
5) There isn't any ATM inside the bank.
6) Is there any airport in Hong Kong Island?
7) What is he going to the airport for?
8) I don’t know.
3. TVanslate the following into English.

1) heui bl n douh a? _________
2) mh sai mh goi ---------
3) mouh mahn taih. ---------
4) ngoh mh ji a. ---------
5) hou aak. ---------
140
Lesson 9
4. Fill in the blanks.
Tow are Here!
Fronl
1) neih (ge)____________________________________________________ haih hei yun.
2) syG dim hai neih (ge)_____________________________________________________ .
3) neih (ge)____________________________________ yauh tlhng che cheuhng.
4) neih (ge) yauh mihn haih________________________________________________
5) hei yun (ge) pohng bln yauh yat go__________________________________ •
141
Lesson 10 What is this?
Learning Objectives
------------------------------------------------------------ ------- ---- --------------------------------------------- ^
1, Common greetings according to the situation using “ah”
2 To specify “this/these”，“that/those” and “which” with “nV’，“g6” & “b_in”
To ask and answer the question “What fs this?”
4. To call the name of something using “giu jouh”
5. To express one’s feeling or thinking with “gok dak’
6. To tell what one wants to try out
jou sahn, sihk jou chaan ah?l
haih a. jou sahn.
142
Lesson 10
'*J广d一〜〜.v，
Dialogue ©CD-T66
Jing-Jing meets Amy in the student canteen.
Jing-Jing: 只饥y，jou sahn. sihk jou chaan ah ?

心以’早晨。食早.妄、牙?
(^y. good morning. You fre having breakfast、aren’t you?)
Amy: haih a. J'ing- Jlng. jou sahn.
係呀。晶晶。早晨。
(y^s. Jing-Jing, good morning.)
Jing-Jing: neih seung sihk yeh a?
你想食呀？
(What do you want to eat?)
Amy: ngoh seung siiik Heung Gong s"i k ge jou
我想食香港式_槪早餐。
(7 want to have a Hong Kong style breakfast.)
nl d~i haih mat yeh a?
呢崩係乜嘢呀？
(What are these?)
ni dl giu jouh daahn taat, go dl giu jouh bo loh baau.

呢㈤-蛋’ i 撻，嗰啲叫做菠蘿包。
(These are called egg custard tarts、those are called pineapple buns.)
bln^dl hou sihk a?
邊¥好食呀？
(Which one tastes good?) ^
daahn taat hou sihk, bo loh baau dqu hou hou kih£)
蛋. 撻好食，菠蘿包都好好 i#。
(Egg custard tarts are good, pineapple buns are also good.)
n"i d"i haih mat yeh laih ga?
呢啲係乜嘢嚟噪？
(What is this?)
Jing-Jing: ni di giu jouh juk .
呢啲叫做粥。
(This is called congee.)
wun haih peih daan sau yuhk juk laih ge
呢碗係皮蛋瘦肉粥嚟嘅。
(This is congee with preserved egg and lean pork.)
bat gwo ngoh gok dak peih daan mh hou sihk.
不過我覺得皮蛋唔好食。>
(But I think that preserved egg doesn’t taste good.)
Jimy: gam，ngoh-sojiah da^hiLiaat tuhng bo loh baau la.

瞰/，我.試扣蛋撻同菠蘿包啦。
(Then, let me try the egg custard tart and pineapple bun.)
i “juk” is a simple dish made by boiling rice grains in many times its weight of water for several hours I
China, it is eaten as breakfast，often with the addition of crispy fried flour sticks known as “y auh ia e 又，1
It is sometimes cooked with lean pork，minced beef, fish, chicken or century egg，etc. Rice congee k 的
easily digestible and is used traditionally in China to nurse the sick back to health or to serve infante .
the elderly. Some Cantonese also like to have a bowl of rice congee as a mid-night snack. and
143
ilpit 5. Essential Basjc Conversation
©CD -T67
Vocabulary |
1. Ah 牙？（ Statement + ah?!) Part: [a modal particle, used at the end of a statement
to form a supposition question checking the
validity of an assumption about observations of
the situation or what has been said] ________ j
2. Heung Gong si k 香港式 N: Hong Kong style
(also shortened as “g6ng si k 港式”）
3. ni dl呢咐 Pn: this; these

•c■二---------- -------- -
4. vgo 嘲响 Pn: that; those
5. bl n d l邊咐 QW: which
6. daahn taat 蛋撻1 N: (lit. egg tart) egg custard tart

—■— i
7. 菠蘿包1
2* N: pineapple(-like) bun
8. mat yeh laih ga?乜呀嘴嘴？ Ph: what on earth is this/that?
9. laih ge °黎电 Part: [a modal particle used at the end of noun

i predicate sentences to give an explanation]
10. hou sihk 好食
•-- -—___ _ * Adj: good to eat; tasty
11. hou hou sihk 好好食 Ph: delicious; very tasty
12. giu jo-uh 叫做 V: being called; named; known as

(N, + giu jouh +iV2) (also “备iu” in L.l)
13. ]uk 'm N: rice congee, rice porridge
14. wun N/M: a bowl; a bowl of
15. peih daan 皮蛋 N: century egg: a special type of

preserved egg
16. sau yuhk 痩肉 N: (lit. thin meat) lean pork; lean meat
17. piih_dân sau yuhk上k Ph: congee with preserved egg and lean
皮蛋痩兩粥一…— pork
18. gok dak覺得 V: to think; to feel
19. si hah 試0T Ph: have a try [“hah” is a structural particle,

r 〆
(Verb + h^h) attached to a verb indicating a short, quick,

random, informal action.]
1 “daahn t 备 at” is a baked pastry which consists of a flaky outer crust and sweet egg custard filled in the
middle. It is easily found at bakeries, HK style cafe, and dim-sum restaurants in HK, Macau and southern
China.
2 "bo Joh baau'isa kind of baked bun with a sweet and crunchy checkered top that looks like the skin of
a pineapple. It contains no pineapple but a variation known as 4bo loh yauhM (buttered pineapple bun)
is a pineapple bun with a piece of butter stuffed insjde. Both of these are popular in HK.
144
Sentence Structure
1. Common greetings according to the situation
e_g. Amy, jou sahn. sihk jou chaan ah!?

good morning. Oh, you * re having breakfast, aren’t you?)
(neih) + Verbal phrase + ah!?

(situation)
A
1. seuhng tohng (to attend class)

2. faan gung (to go to work)
3. cheut gaai (to go out)
4. maaih yeh (to go shopping)
2. To specify “this/these”, “that/those” and “which”

e.g. 1. ni di haih daahn taat.
(These are egg custard tarts.)
e.g. 2. go di haih bo loh baau.

(Those are pineapple buns.)
e.g. 3. bin di hou sihk a?

(Which one tastes good?)
e.g. 4. n'l go haih ngoh ge neuih pahng yauh.

(This is my girlfriend.)
e.g. 5. go wai haih ngoh ge Gwong Dung Wa louh s'l.
(That is my Cantonese teacher.)
e.g. 6. neih hai bi n eaan daaih hohk duhk syii a?
(Which university do you study in ?)
ôur eâtnpfe(s)： (see Unit 1: Section!)
Measure Words:_________________ _______ _______________________

3. To ask and answer the question “What on earth is this?”
e.g. Q: ni di hajh mat veh laih ga?
(What on earth is this?)
A: ni wun haih peih daan sau yuhk juk laih ge.

(This is preserved egg and lean pork congee.)
4. To call the name of something using “giu jouh”

e.g. 1 ni di giu iouh daahn taat, go di giu jouh bo loh baau.
(These are called egg custard tarts, those are called pineapple buns.)
e.g. 2 ni dl giu iouh juk.

(This is called congee.)
4 ^yonton (pronounced as “wahn tin” in Cantonese) is one of the many unique Chinese food. It is a
. rl| , oasta similar to the Italian ravioli, usually with shrimp and meat inside. Cantonese wonton
.nc, ° ked in soup with or without noodles. The deep fried wonton with sweet and sour sauce is
is usually coo .：zer or dim-sum in a dim-sum restaurant,
often served as an append
146
Lesson 10
5. To express one’s feeling or thinking
e g- ngoh gok dak peih daan mh hou sihk.

(7 think that preserved egg doesn’t taste good.)
rour eâ.mp[e(s):
ngoh gok dak
ngoh gok dak Heung Gong
6. To tell what one wants to try out
e.g. ngoh si hah daahn taat tuhng bo loh baau la.

(Let me try the egg custard tan and pineapple bun.)
Subject + (seung) + si hah + Noun / Verbal phrase.

i
1. baahkjuk (plain rice congee)

2. wahn tan mihn (wonton noodles)
3. ni gihn saam (this piece of clothing)
4. nl deui haaih (this pair of shoes)
5. hohk Pou Tung Wa (to learn Mandarin)
^6. da mah jeuk (to play mahjong) ▲
ôur eâmpCe(s):
ngoh seung si hah
________________________________
147
FYI — Breakfast in Hong Kong
1) Chinese style (Jung s'ik中式):
baahk juk 白粥(M: wun) plain rice congee
fried bread stick

yauh ja gwai 油炸鬼（M: tluh)
{also 4<yauh tiu 油條”)
rice noodle rolls
cheung fan 腸粉(M: dihp)
(also 4tjyu cheuhng fan 緒腸粉”)
dauh jeung 豆紫(M: bui) soya bean milk
5- chaau mihn 炒麵（M: dihp) fried noodle
6. jung 樓（M:jek) sticky rice dumpling
7- wahn tan mihn 雲吞麵（M: wun) ronton noodles
2) Western style (Sai s"ik 西式)：
U 8. saam mahn jih 三文治（M: fahn) sandwiches
汐9. chaau daan 炒蛋（M:jek/go) fried scramble egg
10. Jjn seung daan 煎雙蛋（M: go) double sunny side up
Ull. heung cheung 香腸（M: t'luh) sausage (also “cheung jai 腸仔’，）
v 12. yin yuhk 煙肉（M: faai) bacon
M3. teui 火腿（M: pin) ham
14. fo teui tung fan 火腿通粉(M: wun) macaroni in soup with ham
v/15. mihn baau 麵包(M: go; faai) bread
16. gai meih baau 熟尾包（M: go) cocktail bun
17. bo loh yauh 菠蘿油（M: go) pineapple bun with a slice of butter
inserted in it
U18. 46 sl 多士（M: faai) toast
VI9. sai do S\ 西多士（M: faai) French toast

- -x
y 备 uhj_im 油占多（M: faai) butter & jam on toast
20.
mahk pHh 麥皮（M: quick oat meal
^ 21.
J48
Lesson 10
Exercise
Answer the following questions.
1) n"i di haih mat yeh laih ga? ^
2) go d'l haih mat yeh laih ga?
3) neih seung sihk mat yeh jou chaan a?
4) neih gok dak hai Heung Gong mat yeh hou sihk a?
5) neih seung hai chah chaan teng si hah mat yeh a?
1) You’re an exchange student, aren’t you?
2) What would you like to eat?
3) I would like to try a Hong Kong style milk tea.
4) What on earth is this?
5) This is called pineapple bun.
6) I think that lean pork congee is delicious.
149
Lesson 11 Ordering food
Learning Objectives
1- To give an explanation of something using “Jik haih”
2. To state what one wants when ordering food or buying things using
the verb “yiu”
3. To use an adjective to modify a noun
4. To express the total amount using s<yat guhng”
5. To give choices to the addressee using “dihng haih” in a question
6. To know topicalization in Cantonese
ngoh yiu vat go fo teui daan saam mahn jih,
keuih yiu vat go daahn taat tuhng yat go bo loh baau.
do jeh. yat guhng

sei sahp man.
hai douh sihk dihng haih mng jau a?
hai douh sihk, mh goi.
150
Lesson 11
Dialogue ©CD -T68
Jing-Jing orders the foodfor Amy and pays at the cashier.
J^ng~Jing: Amyt neih yam mat yeh a?

Amy，你飲乜嘢呀？
(Amy, what would you like to drink?)
Amy: ngoh seung yam ga fe. ngoh dou seung yam naaih chah.
我想飲咖啡。我都想飲奶茶。
(I would like to drink coffee. I also would like to drink milk tea.)
J^ng-Jing: gam, si hah y'in yeung la.

瞰，試吓鴛鴦啦！
(Well, why don’t you try Uyuanyangn!)
yin yeung jlk haih ga fe ga naaih chah.

鴛鴦即係咖啡力卩奶茶。
(,lyuanyang n actually means to add milk tea and coffee together.)
Aîy： hou aak. ngoh jung yi si hah san yeh ge.

~ 好呃。我中意試吓新嘢嘅。
(Okay! I’d like to try new things.)
Jing-Jing: mh goi, leuhng bui y'in yeung.

唔該，兩杯駕喬。
(Excuse me, two cups of tlyuanyang please.)
ngoh yiu yat go fo teui daan saam mahn jih，

我要一個火腿蛋三文治，
(I’d like a ham and egg sandwich,…)
keuih yiu yat go daahn taat tuhng yat go bo loh baau,
佢要一個蛋撻同一個菠蘿包。
(...and she’d like an egg custard tart and a pineapple bun.)
Cashier do jeh. yat guhng sei sahp man.

多謝。一共四十蚊。
(Thank you. Altogether that’s $40.)
hai douh sihk dihng haih nl ng jau a?

喺度食定係拎走呀？
(Eat in or take away?)
Jing-Jing: hai douh sihk, mh goi.

喺度食，唔該。
(Eat in, please.)
Casfiier. yin yeung yiu yiht dihng dung ga?

鴛鴦要熱定凍喋？
(Would you like the "yuanyang" hot or cold?)
Jina-Jina: leuhng bui dou yiu yiht ge.

兩杯都要熱嘅。
(Both of them hot, please.)
Cashier. cheng dang yat jahn la!

請等一陣啦！
(Please wait for a moment!)
151
©CD -T69
[---.------------------------ --------- -------------------- , - . .■ ■■ ■ ---------- -----
1. yam 飲、+ object、 V: to drink
2. ga fe 咖啡（w.. biii 杯） coffee N:

1
1 ■_ ■ li« 1 1 ——— ■■ -■Mil
■ ■丨 **' ' ml ■丨丨—
3. . n&aih ch》h 奶茶（m. bGi 杯）: N:； milk tea

i
4. yin yeung 鴛鴦（w_. bQi 杯）丨 N:； (in L.ll) yuanyang1
1 ! ! [a mixture of HK style milk tea and coffee]
5. jik haih 即係 V: be; namely; it means...; that is...
1____ j ..........................J
6. ga 加 V: to add
7. san yeh 新呀 Ph:: new stuff; new things
8. bQi 杯（M.go個/jek 隻） N/M: 1 glass, cup, mug； a cup of [a measure of the

ij
quantity of something that a cup will hold]
9. fo teui 火腿（A/., pin 片） N: ham
}____i__ i |
10. d&an 蛋（M: jek 隻/go個）| N: egg (also ** gai daan"雞蛋）
* 1
11. saam mahn jih 三文治 !；sandwich N:
(M: fahn 份/go個） 1
|
12. yat guhng —共(+ Quantity) j Adv: I total, altogether
J
:i i: lj 1 (also“hahm baahng laahng” 冚你口冷）
13. hai douh sihk 咐度食 Ph: eat here

1 1 . .. J
14. dihng haih 定係 Conj: 1 Or [only used in a question indicating options]
j :(also‘‘dihng” 定）
15. nlng jau 挣走 V: take away; “to go” (also l,mkjau 振走”）|
f j
i i
16. . y iht 熱 i Adj: hot (in temperature)
• i
17. dung ;東 :Adj： cold; iced
1 |
18. cheng 請(cheng + Verb) V: please (+ verb) [used to show politeness

i in requests or commands to mean
i i ‘be obliging enough (to)*]
^ ___ ____
.................-" — ----- - "" !
! 19. dSng 等 V: to wait
j{. ] |
20. yat jahn 一陣 N: a little while
t _____ - — —————— •———
i Yuanvang (pronounced as “y*in yeung" in Cantonese) is originally a Chinese name of Mandarin Duck.
Th llv aoDear in male and female pairs and are refered to as a symbol of conjugal love in Chinese
ey usua y 尺。people mix Hong Kong style milk tea and coffee together and call the drink “ylm
cy lure.” °n? cf the connotation of “pair”. This is a popular kind of beverage in HK, the drink
yeung to ma . as a mixture of Eastern and Western culture as well.
Yuanyang, is considered as
152
Lesson 11
Sentence Structure
1. To give an explanation of something using “jik haih”
e.g. yi n yeung ilk haih ga fe ga naaih chah.

(“yuanyang” actually means to add milk tea and coffee together.)
2. To state what one wants when ordering food or buying things
e.g. 1. mh goi, leuhng bui yin yeung.

(Excuse me, two cups of “yuanyang”, please.)
e.g. 2. ngoh yiu yat go fo teui daan saam mahn jih.

(I’d like a ham and egg sandwich.)
e.g. 3. keuih viu yat go daahn taat tuhng yat go bo loh baau.
(She’d like an egg custard tart and a pineapple bun.)
ôur ej(amp[e(s):
mh goi, ngoh yiu
153
3. To use an adjective to modify a noun
e.g. ngoh jung yi si hah san veh ge.
(7 like to try new things.)
4. To express the total amount using 44yat guhng”

e.g. vat guhng sei sahp man.
(AItogether that’s $40.)
5. To give choices to the addressee using “or” in a question

e.g. 1. hai douh sihk dihng haih ning jau a?
(Eat in or take away?)
e.g- 2. yin yeung yiu yiht dihng dung a?

(Would you like the f,yuanyang n hot or cold?)
Q: J + dihng (haih) + ® + a?
(Noun, /Adjective,/ (Noun2 / Adjective2/
Verbal phrase 1/ Clause,) Verbal phrase2/Clause2)
e e 3 neih yam mat yeh a? ga fe dihng haih chah a?

• ( What would you like to drink? Coffee or tea?)*
* 4 neih yiu sa leut dihng chaan tong a?

e.g. ( Would you like salad or the soup of the day?)
154
Lesson 11
e.g. 5. gam yaht haih si ng keih yaht dihng haih sing keih yat a?
(Today is Sunday or Monday?)
e.g. 6. ngoh deih heui dihng haih mh heui a?

(Shall we go or not?)
e.g. 7. neih gok dak daahn taat hou sihk dihng haih mh hou sihk a?
(Do you think egg custard tart is tasty or not?)
/------- ------- --------------- A
ôur eâmp(e(s):
dihng haih a?
V J
6. To know topicalization2 in Cantonese
e.g. ngoh yiu leuhng bui y"m yeung. leuhng bui dou yiu yiht ge.
(I'd like two cups of Uyuanyang Both of them hot, please.)
Sentence topic + Comment on the topic.

(known information)
ii
^ fl. ning jau (take away)

1. ni bui naaih chah (this cup of milk tea
2. ngoh ge (my sandwich) 2. hai douh sihk (eat here)
saam mahn jih
3. keuih ge ga fe (his/her coffee) 3. mh yiu naaih (do not want milk)
4. ngoh ge yin yeung (my “yuanyang”) 4. yiu tohng (want to have
5. hai Heung Gong (studying in sugar)
duhk syu Hong Kong) \5. hou hoi sam (very happy)
7. To make a polite request with “ch&ng”
e.g. cheng dang yat jahn la!

(Please wait for a moment!)
cheng + (neih) Verbal phrase (+ la !)
/
1. choh (sit)
2. yahp leih (come in)
3. yam chah (have some tea)
4. hai ni douh chlm meng (sign here)
_________________________ ____ _______________________ /
2TopicaIization is the promotion of some element of the sentence to the topic position. (Matthews &Yip 19^)
155
Q： cheng mahn (neih) yam mat yeh a?
A: mh goi, ngoh yiu _______________________
■ -—— . —^ —~- -.— - . _P——— - -- - ~—— ---- -—■ ■ — {

1- naaih chah 奶茶
milk tea
ga fe 咖啡
i ; 1 coffee
3. jaai fe 齋啡 black coffee
•______ r_______
_i
4. yin yeung 鴛鴦 yuanyuang (a mixture of HK style
! i | milk tea and coffee)
i ^ • 1 _____ i
5 :、、 lemon tea
n'lhng mung chah 檸檬茶
(also “nTing chah 檸茶”）
6. n'lhng mung seui 檸檬水 lemonade
i •
i 1 * (also “n*ing seui 择水”J
7. hei seui 汽水 soft drinks
< i .
...j
8. ho lohk 可樂 coke
9. Chat Hei 七喜 Seven-up

i •
10. Syut Bik 雪碧 Sprite
j
11. Ving lohk 檸樂 coke with lemon
2
12. ning chat 檸七 Seven-up with lemon
j -
13. ning maht 檸蜜 honey lemonade
]4. chaang jap orange juice

.
15. sin naaih 鮮奶 fresh milk

• ■•: !
】6. ngauh naaih 牛奶 milk
i
17. jyu gu 11 k 朱古力 chocolate drink

--
18. Hou Laahp Hak 好立克 Horlicks

i
______ ....^---- -----------
19. 0 Wah Tihn 阿華田 Ovaltine
20. Leih B备n Naahp 利賓納 Ribena
\ .
21. be jau D皁酒 beer

I
i
22. kwong chyuhn seui 擴泉水 mineral water
i . . ..
156
Lesson 11
.FYI — 2. Adjectives
Adjectives are words that discribe the nature or state of a person or thing. Here are
some common adjectives for your reference.
bad;
1. cha差 35. late ch'ih 遲
not up to standard
bad; wicked, evil
2. s吞ui衰 36. lazy 1各ahn懒
minded
3. bad, out of order waaih 壞 37. long cheuhng 長
4. beautiful，pretty leng 親 38. low d云i低

5. biR daaih 大 39. many, much, a lot d6多
6. boring muhn 悶 40. naughty y吝ih曳
7. busy mohng 忙 41. near kahn 近
8. cheap pehng 平 42. nervous gan jeung 緊張
9. cold; iced dung ;東 43. new s3n新

10. comfortable syu fuhk 舒服 44. noisy chouh °f
11. convenient fong bihn 方便 45. old (noi new) gauh 舊
12. correct ' ngaam 嗓 46. old (not young) l6uh 老
13. crazy chi sin藉線 47. painful; sore tung 痛
14. dangerous ngaih h〗m危險 48. quick; fast faai 快
15. difficult naahn 難 49. quiet jihng 靜
16. early j6u早 50. safe on chyuhn 安全
17. easy yuhng yih 容易 51. terrific, extreme sai leih 犀利
18. expensive gwai 貴 52. short (in length) dyun 短
19. far y6hn 遠 53. short (in height) ng各i矮

20. fat feih ffL 54. silly s6h儍
21. few; a little slu少 55. slow maahn 慢
22. fragrant leung 香 56. small sai細

free (to do sth.); chung m'lhng
23. not busy dak haahn 得閒 57. smart, intelligent 聰明
24. full b&au 飽 58. smelly, stench chau 臭
25. fun, interesting lou waan 好玩 59. stupid cheun 蠢
26. Rood; obedient gwaai 乖 60. tally high g6u高

27. Rood; fine eng正 61. tasty (drinks) hou yam好飲
28. Rreat; terrific i6u 好， 62. tasty (food) hou sihk 好食
29. happy ioi sam開心 63. fhitl (in contrast to fat) sau痩
30. hardy tou^h san fu辛苦 64. thirsty geng hot g負;&
31. hardworking cahn lihk 勤力 65. tired guih 攰 —
32. hot yiht 熱 56. chû yeung 醜樣
33. hungry [6uh ngoh 肚餓 57. wron^ cho錯

34. kind; nice person lou yahn 好人 38., voung hauh saang 後生
157
1. Re-arrange the various parts of the following sentences in their right order.
1) yiu/ ngoh/ bui/ leuhng/ ga fe/ yiht/ •/
2) gei do chin / ga fe/ tuhng/ saam mahn jih/ yat go/ yat bui/
yat guhng/ a/ ?/
3) seung/ hai douh/ neih/ dihng haih/ a/ sihk/ ning jau/ ?/
4) tuhng/ daahn taat/ dou/ hou hou sihk/ bo loh baau/ ./* 1
2. What should you say in the following situations? (in Cantonese)
1) You want to know what someone would like to drink.
You say: _
2) You want to explain that “yuanyang” is actually adding milk tea and coffee
together.
You say:
3) You want to ask for someone politely to wait for a moment.
You say: _________ _
4) You want to order one sandwich and two cups of hot coffee.
You say ：
5) You want to ask which one is tasty, egg custard tart or pineapple bun.
You say ：----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------
158
Lesson 12 Having a dim-sum lunch
Learning Objectives
1. To indicate that something has not yet been completed by “meih”
2. To indicate that something has been completed by “j6”
3. To ask whether something has occurred or not
4. To suggest to do something together using “a” at the end
5. To treat or invite someone to something with “cheug”
6. To ask someone’s agreement to your suggestion with “h6u mh hou a?”
7. To express the sense of “in addition to."” using “juhng".t-im”
8. To give an alternative in a statement with “waahk je” 广___ ^
mh goi, yat wuh Pou Lei,

yat wuh gwan seui.
mh goi, maaih daan.
159
I Dialogue
©CD-T70
Tony invites Ah-Ping to have dim-sum for lunch.

Afi^Ping: wai，Tony, sihk jo faahn meih a?
喂，食佐飯未呀？
(Hi, Tony, have you eaten yeti)
^Tony: meih a. neih ne?
未呀。你呢？
(Not yet. How about you?)
Afi-^Ping: ngoh dou meih sihk a. yat chaih heui yam chah a!
我都未食呀。一齊去飲茶吖！
(I haven’t eaten either. Let’s go to have dim-sum together!)
Tony: hou aak. n6ih slh s、ih gaau ngoh gong Gwong Dung Wa.
好呃。你 _時教我講廣 #
東託。
話
(Good. You have always taught me Cantonese.)
ngoh cheng neih yam chah a!
我請你飲茶吖！
(Let me treat you to a dim-sum!)
^.h-^Ping: gam, do jeh sin. haahng la!
瞰，多謝先。行喇！
(Well, thank you in advance. Let’s go.)
At the Chinese restaurant.
Jifi-(ping: mh goi, yat wuh Pou Lei, yat wuh gwan seui.
(to waiter) 唔該壺普饵，一壺滾水
(Excuse me, a pot of Pu *er tea and a pot of boiling water, please.)
Tony: ngoh seung si hah ha gaau, cheun gyun tuhng cha siu baau.
我想試吓蝦餃，春卷同乂燒包。
(I would like to try shrimp dumpling, spring roll and barbecue pork bun.)
hou aak. ngoh seung sihk faahn.

好呃。我想食飯。
(Okay. I'd like to eat rice.)
ngoh deih yiu yat go chaau faahn, hou mh hou a?
我哋要一個炒飯，好唔好呀？
(Shall we have fried rice, okay?)
Tony: mouh mahn taih. ngoh juhng seung yiu di t'lhm ban tim.
冇問題。，我仲想要啲甜品添。
(No problem. I'd still like to have some dessert.)
si hah dauh fuh fa waahk je huhng dau sa la.

試吓豆腐花或紅豆沙.啦。
(Why don't you try bean curd dessert or red bean sweet soup?)
ng oil the food.
jan haih hou sihk a. ngoh yiu faan gung la.
真係好食呀。我要返工喇。
(丨t，s really tasty. I have to go to work now.)
-乂一
gam
m h goi,
mh oni maaih daan la!
e該，埋單啦！
瞰，
(Well, get the bill, please!)
】60
Lesson 12
Vocabulary ©CD -T71

•二十- — -.r
丨1. wai喂 Intj: hello； hey [to draw sb. fs attention informally]
2. faahn 飯 N: cooked rice
3. j 6 口左（Verb + j 6 + Object) Part: [a perfective aspect particle used after a verb,

(e.g. sihk jo faahn) indicating completed action whether in the past,
I present
or future]
4. meih 未（+ Verb) Adv: not yet
(e.g. meih sihk faahn)
5. yam chah 飲茶 VO: yum-cha 1 (lit. to drink tea)

(in L.12) to have dim-sum*
2
6. a °Y Part: [a modal particle used at the end of sentence,
indicating suggestion in a causal mood]
7. chbng 請 V: invite, treat, serve or entertain someone

(Person/ + cheng+ Person2+ Verb) I to Sth. (bear the expense of the entertainment);
paying for the expenses; playing host
8. SI n 先（Verb + S1 n ) Adv: first; in advance
9. do jeh sin 多謝先 SE: Thank you in advance.
10. haahng la 行0刺 SE: Let’s go.
11. wOh壺 N/M: teapot; a pot of
12. Pou Lei 普:;耳 PN: Pu’er tea (also “B6u Lei)
[black tea, fully fermented and oxidized tea]
13. gwan seui 滾水 Ph: boiling water
14. ha gaau 蝦餃，N: shrimp dumpling

< j [a popular dim-sum]
^ Yum.cha (pronounced as *'yam chah’)n C::二 “d上細” while drinking Chinese tea in
custom of eating small dishes of different food ^ ^ can be a breakfast, brunch, lunch or afternoon tea.
Cantonese sp^ :㈣办沉欣他 specially on weekend _丨咽.
Cantonese people like to g 9007n
(Wikipedia, the free encycloped.a, 2007)
2 .c of d,t
Dim-sum is a general term forsemn^s different smallsteamingand
dishes of foodfrying,
servedamong
in Yum cha.methods.
other It ts as
important
S as the
aim sum areChinese tea and
usually small D.msumca
normally Sf ily Because of the small portions people can try alo
m (hree or four pieces .n one dish. It ,s customary
Se Srand share among aH of choices, from the sweet to the salty. (See
° L variety of food. D.msum consists oi f d nd fruit. The various items are usually served
U has
Ga sman basket orof
combinations
steamer onmeat, ^JSpending
a small on the type trolley
Jheeled ûndona of dimbysum. Dim
servers sum
for dishes
diners can be
to choose
161
—-..f ■ .. . 一.一- ■ ■— — ——— -• *■

15. cheun gyun 春卷 N: spring roll
[a popular dim-sum)
! ___ _______ ______
16. cha siu baau 义境包 N: barbecue pork bun
i
[a popular dim-sum)
17. chaau faahn 炒飯 N: fried rice
18. hou mh hou a?好°吾好呀？ SE: Is that good? Is it okay?

[attached at the end of a suggestion or request]
19. juhng 仲（+ Verb) Adv: (inL.12) (in addition to...) still; also
[implies extra emphasis or surprise]
20. tim 添(juhng...tim) Part: [a modal particle, accompanying the adverb

“juhng” to emphasize the idea of 'addition’]
21. tihm ban 甜品 N: dessert
22. dauh fuh fa豆腐花 N: bean curd dessert
23. huhng dau sa N: red bean sweet soup
24. waahkje 或者 Conj: or (either one can do)

(A + waahk je + B) [used in a statement, not in questions]
25. jan haih 真係 Adv: really; indeed
26. maaih daan i里| VO: add up the bill; to pay

Lesson 12
Sentence Structure
---
1. To indicate that something has not yet been completed by “meih”
e.g. ngoh meih sihk faahn a.

(I haven’t eaten yet.)
2. To indicate that something has been completed by “j6”

e.g. ngoh sihk jo. faahn la.
(I have already eaten.)
163
3. To ask whether something has occurred or not
e.g. neih sihk faahn meih a?

(Have you eaten yet?)
4. To suggest to do something together

e.g. vat chaih heui yam chah a?
(Let’s go to have dim-sum together?)
(ngoh deih) + yat chaih + Verbal phrase + a?
L sihk maahn faahn (to have a dinner)

2. heui tai hei (to go watching a movie)
3. da mohng kauh (to play tennis)
4. ying seung (to take a photo)
5. leuih hahng (to go traveling)
/^Y6urexcimp[e(s):
ngoh deih yat chaih a?
yat chaih____________ a?
164
Lesson 12
5，To treat or invite someone to something
e g. ng6h cheng neih yam chah la!

(7 will treat you to a dim-sum.)
6. To ask someone’s agreement to your suggestion with “h6u mh hou a?”
e_g. ngoh deih yiu yat go chaau faahn, hou mh hou a?

(Shall we have fried rice, okay?)
Suggestion t + hou mh hou a
ik
ngoh deih sing keih yaht heui tai hei

(Well go to watch a movie on Sunday.)
2. (ngoh deih) gam maahn sihk Jung Gwok choi
(Well eat Chinese cuisine tonight.)
3. (ngoh deih) ting yaht heui haahng gaai

(We'll go shopping tomorrow.)
4. (ngoh deih) cheut mn git fan

(Well get married next year.)
ôur ej(atnpl£(s):
ngoh deih 』hou mh hou a ?
(ngoh deih) 」hou mh hou a ?
165
7. To express the sense of “in addition to…” using ‘ juhng...tlni ,-

e.g. ngoh seung si hah ha gaau,...ngoh juhn^, seung yiu d"i iihm 1
一
(I would like to try shrimp dumplingt ... I'd still like to have some dessert.)
Subject + Verb + Objecti , + juhng H-Verb + Obiect 2 ^h ti m.
e.g. 2. keuih yauh taai taai9 juhng yauh yat go jai tim.
(He has a wife and also has a son.)
e.g. 3. Amy sik Ying Man, juhng sik Faat Man tim.
(Amy knows English; she also knows French.)
e.g. 4. a-Pihng paau Gwong Dung Wa, juhng gaau Pou Tung Wa tim.
(Ah-Ping teaches Cantonese; she also teaches Mandarin.)
e.g. 5. Tony cheng a-Pi hng yam chah, iuhng cheng keuih tai hei tim.
(Tony not only treated Ah-Ping to have dim-sum, he also treated her to watching a movie.)
8. To give an alternative in a statement with “waahk jfe”

e.g. 1. si hah dauh fuh fa waahk je huhng dau sa la!
(Why don’t you try bean curd dessert or red bean sweet soup?)
^ waahk je ®
e.g. 2. ngoh seung yauh yat go jai waahk je yat go neui.

(1 want to have a son or a daughter.)
e.g. 3. ngoh ge pahng yauh m go sing keih luhk waahk je sing keih yaht
leih Heung Gong.
(My friend will come to Hong Kong on this Saturday or Sunday.)
e.g. 4. ngoh dak haahn jung yi tai syu waahk je teng yam ngohk.
(I like reading or listening to music in my free time.)
e.g. 5. keuih yih ga hai uk kei waahk je baahn gung sat.

(He is either at home or in the office now.)
166
Lesson 12
-FYI —1. Chinese Tea (ch&h 茶)3

r ,，'丨• 十砟撤^—Hg—j
Q: cheng mahn yam mat yeh chah a?

A:nfih goi, ngoh yiu yat wuh ______ (Tea’s name)
Category Variety
1. Luhk Chah 綠茶 • Luhng Jeng 龍井(Long-jing tea: best

(Green tea : non-fermented tea) known as King of all green teas)
• • B~i k Loh Cheun 碧螺春(Bi-luo-chun tea:
best known as Queen of all green teas)
2. Wohng Chah 黄茶 • Gwan Saan Ngan Jam 君山銀針(Jun
(Yellow tea : non-fermented tea Shan Yinzhen yellow tea; Silver Needle
with yellow-green appearance) yellow tea)
3. Baahk Chah 白茶 • Ngan Jam Baahk Ho銀針白毫似心/7
(White tea: a light-fermented Baihao: widely considered as one of the best
tea) grades of white tea)
• Sauh Mei 壽眉(Shou-mei tea; Long Life
Eyebrow tea)
4. Cheng Chah 青茶 • Tit Gun Yam 馓觀音(Tie-guan-yin tea: a
/ Wu Lung Chah 烏龍茶 well known Oolong tea)
(Oolong tea: a semi-fermented • Toih Waan Wu Lung 台灣烏龍(Ta/wan
tea) Oolong tea)

• Seui Sîn 水仙(Shui-xian tea)
5. Huhng Chah 紅茶 • Keih Muhn Huhng Chah 祁門紅茶
(Black tea/red tea: a fully (Qimen red tea: the most renowned red tea in
fermented tea) the world)
6. Hak Chah 黑茶(Black tea: • Pou Lei 普〉’耳（also “B6u Lei”) (Pu’er tea:
post-fermented and oxidized comes from Yunnan province)
tea) • (Syun Yih Seun) Luhk On (孫義順）六安
' (Lu9an black tea)

7. Fa Chah花茶 • Guk Pou/ Guk Bou 菊普(Pu9er tea with
(Scented tea: a mixture of tea dried chrysanthemum)
leaves and fragrant flowers) • Heung Pin 香片(Jasmine tea: the most
j
popular scented green tea)
Guk Fa 菊花(dried chrysanthemum tea)
1•
3 Tea was originated in China where tea bushes were first cultivated by the ancient Chinese. Chinese pour
hot water onto dried and processed leaves of the tea plant to make a drink. With such a long history of
tea-drinking in China, it has developed into a custom with a rich culture of its own. As a traditional
Chinese custom, tea-tasting generates much pleasure in our daily lives. Tea isn’t drunk only for the aroma
and taste; it’s also believed to be for health. It is generally believed that tea-drinking can improve our
health and enhance our energy in the following aspects: quench thirst, help digest the rich foods clear
saliva, help prevent tooth decay, reduce sleeping time, reduce stress and refreshing, help the urinary tract
purge toxins, help slow ageing, improve eyesight, increase concentration, relax the body and dissolve fat，
(Source: University Museum and Art Gallery) •
167
FYI — 2. Dim-sum
Q： neih seung si hah mat y eh cfim sam a?
A:ngohseung $ihah___________________________
1) Steamed (jing 蒸）Dim-Sum:
1. ha gaau 瑕較 shrimp dumplings
2. ：si u maai 燒杳
i
3. icheung fan 腸粉
4. ,cha si u baau barbecue pork buns
5. lihn yuhng baau 蓮蓉包 'lotus seed paste buns
6. naaih wohng baau
jan jyu gai 珍珠雞/ ^ticky rice with chicken wrapped with lotus
noh maih gai 棵米雞* 9 何
8_ gun tong gaau 灌湯餃 soup dumplings
9. mah laai gou 馬拉糕 \Malay sponge cake
10. ch'iuh jau fan gwo知洲粉果 Chiu Chow style dumplings
11. jsln juk gyun 系竹卷 bean curd rolls
12. ngauh yuhk kauh 牛肉球 be^fmeatballs II,

13. ngauh paak yihp 不栢葉 \beejstomacfi
----r.—. —^- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -
14. :gam ch'ihn touh 金錢肚 ■ stewed beef tripe

I___________________
15. paaih gwat 排骨 \ spare ribs 、
16. fuhng jaau 鳳爪 steamed chicken feet

—i_______________________ I_______________________
TX jloh baahk gou 該蔔糕
\Chinese turnip cake
#1
^For vegetarians:
ngoh sihk jaai ge. ngoh mh sihk yuhk.
(/fm a vegatarian. I don’t eat meat.)
:S*1
168
Lesson 12
2) Deep Friedyal^j^Dim-Suni:
1. cheun gyun 春卷 spring rolls

..一 ■ •_ _
2. haahm seui gol< 咸水角 sticky rice dumplings with 'tT / ^
dried shrimp and meat
3. wuh gok芋角
麵 deep fried taro root dumplings
4. ha gok蝦角 deep fried shrimp dumplings served

with salad dressing
5. hoi s'ln gyun 海鮮卷 seafood rolls
6. ja wahn tan炸雲吞 deep fried wonton served with sweet

, and sour sauce
7. fuh peih gyun 腐皮卷 bean curd sheet rolls
3) Baked (guhk 调）Dim-Sum:
i. cha s"iu sou 叉燒穌 barbecue pork pastries :
2. cha si u chaan baau eL oven-baked barbecue pork buns

—^ .
3. daahn taat 蛋撻 egg custard tart 『 |
4) Dessert (tihm ban 甜品)：
1. Jmong gwo bou din 芒果布甸 \ mango pudding -v
2. chiuh jau seui jl ng baau Chiu Chow style sweet paste buns
潮洲水晶包
C/
3. huhng dau sa red bean sweet soup
4. luhk dau sa綠豆沙 green bean sweet soup
5. ji mah wu芝蔬糊 black sesame sweet soup
6. sai maih Iouh 西米露 sago in coconut milk

■
7. hahp touh louh 合桃露 walnut sweet soup
8. ja jah噇噇 mixed beans sweet soup with taro
9. tong yun 湯圓 sweet dumpling in soup

~ 一
— — - ___________
dauh fuh fa豆腐花 bean curd dessert
10.
169
Exercise
1. Use words or phrases underlined to construct three separate sentences using the
patterns from the box.

(?) Subject + Verb + jo ( + Object ) + meih a ?
(+) (Subject +) Verb + jo ( + Object ) + la.

(—)(Subject +) meih + Verb (+ Object) (+a.)
e.g. ngoh deih y'l h ga heui sihk iou chaan.
Answer: (?) neih sihk jo jou chaan meih a?
(+) sihk jo la.
(-)meih sihk a.
1) ngoh bah ba chat dl m jung faan gung (to go to work).
(?) —
(+)
(-) _—
2) ngoh baat dl m jung hei san (to get up).
(?)
(+)
(-) -
3) mah ma s'lh sih sahp yat dim fan eaau (to go to bed).
(?)
(+)
(-)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4) gam yahtng6h deih yiu louh hou do gung fo (to do homework).
(?)________________________________________________________
(+)—
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(-)----------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
170
Lesson 12
1) You want to invite your friend to have a drink in Hong Kong style cafe together.
You say:_____ ___
2) You want to suggest to your friend to try “yuanyang” or HK style milk tea.
You say: _____________________________
3) You want to ask your friend if it is okay to order some dessert.
You say: ____
4) You want to ask what tea your friend would like to drink.
You say: __
5) You want to get the bill after you finish the food in a dim-sum restaurant.
You say: _ _
6) You want to treat your friends to dim-sum.* 1
You say:_________________________________ ________ _
3. Translate the following into English.
1) sihk j6 faahn meih a? _______________________________________________
2) meih a. ___________ ___________________________________
3) yat chaih heui la. ___ ___________________________________________
4) haahng la. _______________________________________________
5) hou mh hou a?______________________________________________ _
6) m6uh mahn tAih. _______________ ；_______________________________ _
7) yat wuh gwan s6ui.__________________________________ _____________
8) jan haih hou sihk a. —-------------------------------------- -------

—
9) mh goi maaih daan. ------------------------------------------ - —
10) ngoh cheng neih la. ________________________________ _________ _______
171
Unit 5: Essenlial Basic Conversation
Lesson 13 Buying and Bargaining
Learning Objectives1
1. To request or invite the addressee to do as he/she pleases
2. To express whether something is worth it or worth doing with “d&i”
4. To state the comparative degree with “di ’’
5. To seek approval or permission using the tag question 4tdak mh dak a?
6. To bargain and ask for discount
7. To use the verb “bbi”（to pay; to give)
8. To emphasize one’s gratitude using ‘‘saai，’
taai gwai la! pehng d~i la!
yih ga daaih gaam ga. yauh mouh jit a?
hou dai maaih ga!

Lesson 13
Dialogue @CD-T72
©CD-T72
Tony is buying a camera in a camera shop.

Salesperson: fun y'lhng，cheng cheuih bln tai la!
歡迎，請隨便睇啦！
(Welcome, please feel free to look around!)
Tony: ngoh seung maaih yat go seung gei.
我想買’ 一個相機。
(I would like to buy a camera.)
Salesperson: n"i go paaih ]\ y 1 h ga daaih gaam ga，hou dai maaih ga!
呢個牌子而家大減價，好抵買喋！
(This brand is currently on sale — it’s a great buy!)
Tony: wa! sei chin man taai gwai la.

嘩！四千蚊太貴喇。
(Wow! HK$4,000! It’s too expensive.)
yauh mouh pehng di ga?
有冇平啲喋？
(Are there any cheaper ones?)
SaCesperson: yauh, ni go saam chin man, gei leng ga, si hah la!
有，呢個.三千蚊，幾蜆喋，試吓啦！
(Yes, this one is HK$3,000. Its good quality. Please have a try.)
Tony: yauh mouh jit a?
有冇折呀？
(Is there any discount?)
Salesperson: mh hou yi s'l, nl go paaih jl mouh jit wo.

唔好意思，呢個牌子冇折喁。
(I'm sorry, there is no discount for this brand.)
Tbny: pehng di la! gau jit dak mh dak a?
平啲啦！九折得唔得呀？
(Cheapen please? Please give me 10% discount, okay?)
Salesperson: hou la, hou la, yih chin chat baak man la!
好啦，好啦，二千七百蚊啦！
(Okay, okay, HKS2J00 for you.)
Tony: gam, ngoh yiu yat go huhng s"ikge.

瞰，我要一個紅色嘅。
(Then I want a red one.)
ngoh bei kaat neih, dak mh dak a?
我俾卡你，得唔得呀？
(f’/f pay you by credit card. Is that okay?)
dak mouh mahn taih. do jeh saai!

Salesperson:
得。冇問題。多謝晒！
(AH right. No problem. Thank you very much!)
173
©CD-T73
Vocabulary
1_ cheuih bin 隨便（+ Verb) Adv:： do as one pleases

j j
2. - tai (+ Object) V： | to see; to look; to watch; to read
3. seung gei (M: go j®) camera
4. paaih ji 牌子（M: go個） N: | a brand; a brand name; a trademark

i j
—._j 一_ j
5. daaih gaam ga 大減價 SE: | a big Sale [products at reduced price]
6. mkaih 買（+ Object) V: | to buy

1 i
.一…--------------- J
7. dM 抵 | Adj: worthy
i
8. dai maaih 抵買 Ph: | worth buying
i j i
______________ i
9. w a 口華 Intj: | lexpresses surprise or wonder) Wow!
i i
j
10. I chin -f* (Nu. + chin) Nu: ! thousand

j
11. taai 太（+ >\办） Adv: tOO； excessively [expresses a higher degree
than is expected]
12. gwai 貴 Adj: expensive
13. pbhng 平 Adj: cheap

-_J
-•• 一-------------- •
14. di (Adj. + d i) Part: a little more... [a structural panicle used after

adjectives to denote the comparative degree]
;
15. pehng dl la 平钟啦 SE: Cheaper, please!
j
g6i 幾(+ Adj.)

16. . Adv:
1 quite; fairly ]
17. leng 靓 Adj: 'beautiful; good-looking; good quality

1
： •
18 •: jit 折（"m. + jit) N： ! discount [the number before indicates the

1
:fraction to be paid in tenths]
j j j
-- ------------ •«' *——---
19. gau jit 九折 :N: discount of 10 percent

1
L [9/】0th of the original price]
丨轉 1
20. | d3k 得 all right; okay; fine
i
if used to express approval or permission ]
21. dak mh dak a?得°吾得呀？ SE: Is it okay? [to seek approval or permission]
22. hou la 好啦 jSE: okay； fine [used to express agreement]
|N: red colour

23. huhng si k 紅色
174
Lesson 13
|24•丨 b6i 俾(+ sth_+ sb.)

V: to give; to pay
i (e.g. bei chin ngoh)
! s
125. k&at 0^:j3ung 張） N: card; (in L. 13) a short form for credit card ;
_~■----------- ---- _
Sentence Structure
To request or invite the addressee to do as he/she pleases

e.g. cheng cheuih bin tai la!
(Please feel free to look around!)
2. To express whether something is worth it or worth doing with “dai”

e.g. ni go paaih ji yih ga daaih gaam ga, hou dai maaih ga!
(This brand is currently on sale 一 ii’s a great buy!)
Sentence Topic + (hou +) f dai + Verb ].

(Ac/v of degree)
--------------------- ^
r r
1. ni go seung gei (this camera) 1. maaih (to buy)
2. chah chaan teng ge yeh (the food in HK style cafe) 2. sihk (to eat)
3. ni douh ge ga fe (the coffee here) 3. yam (to drink)
4. Heung Gong ge dik si (the taxi in Hong Kong) 4. choh (to ride)
_____ J J
Your eâmp(e(s):
hou dai
175
e.g. sei chin man taai gwai la.

(HK$ 4000! lt*s too expensive.)
4. To state the comparative degree with “di

e.g. pehng di la!
(Cheaper, please!)
176
Lesson 13
5. To seek approval or permission using the tag question udak mh dak a?”
e g. Q: 1) gau jit dak mh dak a?

(Please give me JO% discount, okay?)
2) ngoh bei kaat neih, dak mh dak a?

(I’U pay you by credit card. Is that okay?)
A- Yes: dak. (mouh mahn tai h.) fOkay. No problem.)
No: rilh dak. (Not it’s not okay.)
6. To bargain and ask for discount
；e.g. 1) pehne di la!

I (Cheaper, please!)
： 2) yauh mouh iit a?

； (Is there any discount ?)
: 3) vih ga vauh mouh daaih gaam ga a?
； (Are there any big sales now?)
i 4) gau iit dak mh dak a?
■ (Please give me 10% discount, okay?)
Nu. + iit + dak mh dak a?
1. ngh jit (50% off)

2. luhk jit (40% off)
3. chat jit (30% off)
、4. baatjit (20% off)
ôur eâmp(e(s):
177
7. To use the verb “bbi”（to pay; to give)

e.g. ngoh bei kaat neih, dak mh dak a?
(I'll pay you by credit card. Is that okay?)
a) To pay
e.g. 1. bei chin

(to pay)
e.g. 2. ngoh yiu bei gei do chin a?

(How much do I need to pay?)
e.g. 3. neih yiu bci + Amount + man.

(You have to pay ...)
b) To give something to somebody
8. To emphasize one，s gratitude using “saai”
e.g. 1) do jeh saaj.

(Thank you very much!)
2) mh goi saai.
(Thank you very much!)
178
Lesson 13
— !• Souvenirs (sau seun 手信V
Q: n6ih seung maaih mat yeh sau seun a?
ngoh seung maaih_______________________________ • hai b"in douh maaih a?
1• Chinese tea chah yihp 茶葉
2. T shirt t"i seut T松
3. clothes; garment saam 衫
4. trousers fu禅
_
5. shoes 卜ih鞋
6. socks jmaht 機
7. eyeglasses ngaahn geng 眼鏡

- 秦
8. leather goods \ peih geuih 皮具
9. Chinese clothing jjung slk fuhk jong 中式服裝
10. Chinese assorted cakes Jung si k beng sihk 中式餅食
11. Chinese tableware Jung sik sihk geuih 中式食具
12. handicrafts sau gung ngaih ban 手工藝品
13. embroideries chi sau ban刺编品
14. watches sau blu 手錶
15. jewellery duslk 首飾
16. gold jewellery gam slk金飾
17. jade yuhk hei 玉器
18. audio & visual gadgets ylng yam hei choih 影音器材
mihng seun pin 明信片

19. postcards
20. key holders 56s'ihkau 鎖匙扣
1 “s&u seun” in Cantonese includes food or things taken，bought or received as a gift after a trip to remind
one of a place or an event. For more information about souvenirs and shopping places in HK you canT
to <http://www.discoverhongkong.com>
179
FYI — 2. Colours (ngkahn s—lk 顏色)
Q: neih jung yi mat yeh ngaahn sik a?

ngoh jung yi ______________ s"ik. neih yauh mouh____________ sik ga?
1. red huhng sik 紅色
2. orange chaang sik 燈色
3. yellow wohng slk 黃色
4. green luhk s_ik 綠色
5. yellowish green cheng sik 青色
6. blue laahm slk 藍色

\
7. purple _fi s]k紫色
8. black hjk s_ik 黑色
9. white baahk s"i k 白色
10. grey fOi sik灰色
11. gold gam sik金色
12. silver ngahn s"ik 銀色
13. brown ga fe sik咖啡色；s_ik啡色
FYI 一 3. Sizes (saai s"i; chek mah 尺碼）

- --------- I I. I ■iir- .............. 一———iir i ig
ngoh yiu______________________mah.
I 1. XL ga daaih mah力口大石馬
_____________________________________________ i
2. 丄 daaih mah 大碼
3. jung mah 中碼
i
i_________ ________
4. sai mah細碼
ga sai mah力口乡田<6馬
5. xs
________________________
yat go mah 一個碼 / fi saai s"i Free 晒士！
6. Free
...『.-
180
Lesson 13
Exercise
1) I would like to buy an Octopus card.
2) This camera is only $1，000. It’s worth it.
3) Are there any better ones?
4) Can you give me a better price, please?
5) I want to have a try. Is that okay?
6) Tony is too busy. He has no free time.* 1
2. Add the words in the brackets to the following sentences by placing “ | ” at

appropriate positions.
e.g. ngoh haih Gwok Jai Daaih hohk hohk saang. ( ge )
1) cheng sihk dim sam la. (cheuih bl n)
2) ngoh yauh yat jeung seun yuhng kaat. (seung)
3) yi h ga yauh daaih gaam ga, hou dai ga. (maaih)
4) m gihn saam daaih. (taai)
5) ni go seung gei pehng ga. (gei)
6) ngoh hou jung yi nl go seung gei, bat gwo gwai. (dl )
7) ngoh seung maaih yat go sau b"iu. (huhng slk ge)
8) louh si bei jo yat dl gung fo. (ngoh deih)
181
Lesson 14 Taking public transportation
Learning Objectives
1. To ask what kind of transportation one should take
2. To ask and tell the method of moving from one place to another
3. To ask “Do you know...?”
4. To tell the route or terminus of transportation
5. To inform the driver where to get off a car
ngoh seung heui Jung Waahn,
daap gei do houh siu ba a? daap baat houh waahk je
yih sahp baat houh la.
182
Lesson 14
Dialogue ©CD-T74
^my cisks Jing-Jing how to get to Central.

^my： J"ing-J"ing, neih muih yaht daap mat yeh che faan hohk ga?
晶晶，你每日搭乜嘢車返學喋？
(Jing-Jing, what transportation do you take to go to school every day?)
Jln8^Jlnd： ngoh uk kei hai daaih hohk fuh gahn,
我屋企喺大學附近*
(My home is near the university,...)
so y\ h mh sai daap che.

所以唔使搭車。
(…therefore I don’t need to take any transportation.)
ngoh muih yaht haahng louh faan hohk ge.
我每日行路返學嘅。
(7 walk to school every day.)
J^my： neih jl mh jl yauh ni douh heui Jung Waahn,
你知唔知由呢度去中環，
daap gei do houh s"iu ba a?

搭幾多號小巴呀？
(Do you know what no. of minibus I should take to Central from here?)
Jing-Jing: baat houh siu ba ge jung jaahm haih Daaih Wuih Tohng,
A 號小巴嘅總站係大會堂，
(The terminus of No. 8 minibus is at the City Hall,
yih sahp baat houh gl ng Jung Waahn deih tit jaahm
二十八號經中環地鐵站
(the No. 28 minibus passes by the Central MTR station...)
heui Tuhng Loh Waan. neih seung heui Jung Waahn bln douh a?
去銅鑼灣。你想去中環邊度呀？
(...and fôes to Causeway Bay. Where do you want to go in Central?)
Amy: ngoh seung heui Wuih Fung Ngahn Hohng jung hong.
^ 我想去匯豐銀行總行。
(I want to go to the HSBC headquarters.)
gam, hai bin douh lohk che a?
瞰，喺邊度落車呀？
(So where do / get off?)
Jing-Jing: hai Ji Deih Gwong Cheuhng lohk che la.

喺置地廣場落車啦。
(You should gel off at the Landmark.)
neih wah: rmh goi si gei,
你話：「唔該司機，
Ji Deih Gwong Cheuhng, yauh lohk.」

m 地廣場，有落。j
(You say, “Driver, I want to get off at the Landmark, please,M；
jauh dak laak.

就得嘞。
(…!hen it’ll be fine.)
183
Unit 5. Essential Basic Conversation
©CD-T75
Vocabulary
1. muih yaht 每日 Pn: everyday

• ——- —-—-—----- -------------------- 一
2. daap 搭（+ Transportation) V: to ride (a mode of transportation);
j 11
(also “ch6h 坐”）
* ,
3. ch8車（m: ga 架) N: car [general term used for any wheeled vehicle]
4. daap che 搭車 VO: to ride a car; by car

(also “ch6h ch&’坐車)
5. lohk che 落車 VO: to get off a vehicle; alight
6. mat yeh che QW: what mode of transportation;

I i
1 what kind of vehicle
7. uk kei屋企〜 N: I home
1 } • i
8. so y\h 所以（+c/flttse2) Conj: J so; therefore
j ! ! [used to introduce a consequence clause]
；
9. haahng louh 行路 vo： (lit： walk road) to walk； on foot

； i -
10. faan hohk 返學 VO: to go to school
11. neih jl mh jl...? Ph: Do you know...?

你知唔知...？ (also t4neih ji mh ji dou...?你知唔知道...?”)
12. _ s'iu ba 小巴（M/ ga 架） N: minibus; public light bus
13. jung jaahm 總站 N: i terminus; terminal station

i
14. Daaih Wuih Tohng PN: City Hall 1

大會堂
15. ging 經(+ Object) v： to pass by; to pass through; via
16. Jung Waahn 中環 PN： : Central [major district in HK Island]
17. 1 Tuhng Loh Waan 銅錄灣 PN: Causeway Bay (major district in HK Island]
_ j (also uTuhng Loh Wkahn”）
18. Wuih Fung Ngahn Hohng PN: HSBC [the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking
匯豐銀行 Corporation ]
1 The Hong Kong City Hall is a multi-purpose cultural centre built to enhance the quality of life of the
Hong Kong community. It is comprised of two separate blocks with a connecting memorial garden in the
centre. The low block houses a concert hall, a theatre, an exhibition hall, a gift shop, a Chinese restaurant,
a Western restaurant and cafe. The slim 12-storey high block contains an exhibition gallery, a recital hall,
two committee rooms, a public library and a marriage registry. The Hong Kong City Hall maintains an
important link in the international arts scene that contributes to the convergence of the Eastern and Western
cukures (Source: Leisure and Cultural Services Department, HKSAR, 2003)
184
Lesson 14
18. Wuih Fung Ngahn Hohng i PN:： HSBC [the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking
| 匯豐銀行 | Corporation]
1 ______ - - ______________ ..----------- ■■一' _ -- —1
;19. jung hong 總行 N: headquarters

|
__________________ ______________ — -•
I 20. N: square; plaza
gwong cheuhng 廣場
I— •• _____________________________________
—. ___ _—..—.———— - ■■丨.—•—■ ■ ； ■一 ■- - ― - ~——-
PN: Landmark [an office and shopping mall with

;21. Ji Deih Gwong Cheuhng
置地廣場心 many prestigious international brands in Central，
HK] _____________:
j___
22. wah 話Object) V: to say
________________________________ _
__________________________________________________________—-----------------------------------
stop to get off (the vehicle);
23. yauh lohk 有落 SE:
I want to get off
—.. ____________________________________"
! .. . ,— --------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------
Conj: 1 (in L.14) then

24. jauh就（+C/邮幻） [used in the consequence clause of conditional
.
sentence]
J ____________________________________________________________________________________ ______________ :
[the emphasis form of “la”，used to indicate
；........________________________________— -----------------------------------------------
25. laak 勒 Part:

°
' finality or exclamation]
^ - - ————--- »■ ■
I _____________________ ___________________________________ 1
丨26. jauh dak laak 就得。勒 SE: then it'll be fine

」 ■ I - - ————— —~—•.丨■ ■ ■
___________- --------------------------------------
•
185
Sentence Structure
1. To ask what kind of transportation one should take
e.g. yauh ni douh heui Jung Waahn, daap gei do houh siu ba a?
(What number of minibus should I take to Central from here?)
2. To ask and tell the method of moving from one place to another
e.g. Q. neih muih yaht daap mat yeh chc faan hohk ga?
(What transportation do you take to go to school every day?)
A. ngoh muih yaht haahng louh faan hohk ge.

(I walk to school every day.)
ôur eâmp(e(s):
ngoh muih yaht------ —：------------- —■ heui
b (method of movement) (destination/purpose)
____________ __________ __ __________________
186
Lesson 14
3. To ask “Do you know".?，，
e.g. neih ii mh ji yauh n"i douh heui Jung Waahn, daap mat ybh chb a?
(Do you know what no. of minibus / should take to Central from here?)
4. To tell the route or terminus of transportation
e.g. 1. baat houh siu ba ge jung jaahm haih Daaih Wuih Tohng.
(The terminus of No. 8 minibus is at the City Hall.)
ni ga che + ge jung jaahm haih + Place.

(transportation ) (terminus)
r
1. Jung Waahn (Central)
2. Gam Jung (Admiralty)
3. Waan Jai (Wan Chai)
4. Tuhng Loh Waan (Causeway Bay)
e.g. 2. yih sahp baat houh glng Jung Waahn heui Tuhng Loh Waan.
(The No. 28 minibus passes Central and goes to Causeway Bay.)
ôur eâmpfe(s):
gmg. heui
n—l ga che g'ing mh ging
187
5. To inform the driver where to get off a car

e.g. neih wah: rmh goi si gei, Ji Deih Gwong Cheuhng, yauh lohk.
(You sayt 4iDriverf I want to get off at the Landmark, please.”)
188
Lesson 14
FYI — 1. Transportation
FYI — 2. A Stop or Teminus
厂 I--------- — - i
1. airport gei cheuhng 機場
i |
|2. ；ba si jaahm 巴士站
bus stop
k r ； j
minibus station s\u ba jaahm 小巴站
「4.一
MTR station deih tit jaahm 地鐵站 '，、
—j
丨5_ peak tram station; cable car station laahm che jaahm 瘦車站
k
pier mah tauh 碼頭
「
fo che jaahm 火車站
railway station
1 —~■—*—— |
taxi stand dlk si jaahm 的士站
8.
j------
tram station ! dihn che jaahm 電車站
9.
*----—；
® sfu baa : In Hong Kong, green public light buses are operated on scheduled services with fixed
fixed fares, while red public light buses on non-scheduled services without control over routes Qr
189
FYI — 3 MTR (Gong Tit 港鐵)『|
(http://www.mtr.com.hk)
1) Island Line (Gong Dou Sin 港島殘)

Sheung Wan Central Admiralty
OSeuhng Waahn 上環 ^Jung Waahn 中環 ^Gam Jung金鐘产
Wan Chai Causeway Bay Tin Hau

^Waan Jai 灣仔 ^Tuhng Loh Waan ^Ti n Hauh 天后
銅鑼灣
Fortress Hill North Point Quarry Bay

OPaau Toih Saan 炮台山 ^Bak Gok 北角 ^Jak Yuh Chung 鰂魚涌
Tai Koo Sai Wan Ho Shau Kei Wan

^Taai Gu 太古 ^Sai Waan Ho西灣河 ^Saau Gei Waan 筲箕灣
Heng Fa Chuen Chai Wan

^Hahng Fa Chyun 杏花邨 ^Chaaih Waan 柴灣
③ The MTR has been providing an efficient way to get around Hong Kong since 1979. In December 2007,
ihc operation of MTR and Kowloon-Canion Railway Corporation has been merged to form one of the most
efficient and far-reaching railway networks in Asia. The newly expanded system extends all the way from
the heart of Central and Causeway Bay to the New Territories and Lanlau Island. Its 168.1km of track
covers 80 stations on the Kwun Tong. Tsuen Wan, island. Tung Chung, Tseung Kwan O, East Rail, West
Rail On Shan and Disneyland Resort lines. (http://vvwuVmir.com.hk) (Hotline: 2881-8888)
190
Lesson 14
2) Tsuen Wan Line (Chyuhn Waan Sin 荃灣綫)

Central Admiralty Tsim Sha Tsui
■^Jung Whahn 中環 ^Gam Jung 金鐘 •^Jlrri Sa Jeui 尖沙口且
Jordan Yau Ma Tei Mong Kok
^Jo Deun 佐敦 ^Yauh Mah Dei 油麻地 ^Wohng Gok 旺角
Prince Edward Shum Shui Po Chueng Sha Wan
OTaaiJi 太子 ^Sam Seui B6u 深水涉 •^Cheuhng Sa Waahn
長沙灣
Lai Chi Kok Mei Foo Lai King
OLaih J*i Gok 荔枝角 ^Meih Fu 美孚 ^Laih Glng 荔景
Kwai Fong Kwai Hing Tai Wo Hau
^Kwaih Fong 葵芳 ^Kwaih Hi ng 莫興々Daaih Wo Hau 大窩口
Tsuen Wan
^Chyuhn Waan 荃灣
3) Kwun Tong Line (Gun Tohng Sin 觀塘殘)

Yau Ma Tei Mong Kok Prince Edward
^Yauh Mah Dei 油麻地 ^Wohng Gok 旺角 QTaai Ji 太子
Shek Kip Mei Kowloon Tong Lok Fu
^Sehk Gip Meih ^Gau Luhng Tohng ^Lohk Fu 樂富
石硤尾九龍塘
Wong Tai Sin Diamond Hill Choi Hung
^Wohng Daaih Si n Ojyun Sehk Saan ^Choi Huhng 彩虹
黃大仙鑽石山
Kowloon Bay Ngau Tau Kok Kwun Tong
^Gau Luhng Waan 九龍灣 ^Ngauh Tauh Gok 牛頭角 ^Gun Tohng 觀塘
Lam Tin Yau Tong Tin Keng Leng
^Laahm T'lhn 藍田 ^Yauh Tohng 油塘 ^T'iuh Ging Llhng
調景嶺 ^
4) Tung Chung Line (Dung Chung Sin 東涌殘)

Hong Kong Kowloon Olympic
^Heung Gong 香港 ^Gau Luhng 九龍 Ôu Wahn 奧運
Nam Cheong Lai King Ching Yi

ONiahmCh&ung 南昌 ^Laih G"ing 荔景 ^Chlng Yi 青衣
Sunny Bay Tung Chung

^Yan Ou欣澳 ^Dung Chung 東涌
5) Tseung Kwan O Line (Jeung Gwan Ou Sin 將軍_殘)
Po Lam Hang Hau Tseung Kwan O

^Bou Lahm 寶琳 ^Haang Hau 坑口 ^Jeung Gwan Ou 將軍#
Tin Keng Leng Yau Tong Quarry Bay

>=>Tiuh Ging Lihng ^Yauh Tohng 油塘 •^Jak Yuh Chung 却•】魚满
調景嶺
North Point -------- —------- ^

■=>Bak Gok 北角
191
6) Disneyland Resort Line (Dihk Sih Neih Sin 迪士尼殘)

Sunny Bay bisneyland Resort
Ou 欣澳 ^Dihk Sih Neih 迪士尼
7) Airport Express (Gei Cheuhng Faai Sin 機場快殘)

Hong Kong Kowloon Ching Yi
^Heung Gong 香港 ^Gau Luhng 九龍 ^Ch'ing Y1 青衣
Airport Asia World-Expo
^Gei Cheuhng 機場 ^Bok Laahm Gun 博覽館
8) West Rail Line (Sai Tit Sin 西鐵殘)

Nam Cheong Mei Foo Tsuen Wan West
^Naahm Cheung 南昌 ^Meih Fu 美孚 ^Chyuhn Waan Sai 荃灣西
Kam Sheung Road Yuen Long Long Ping
^Gam Seuhng Louh 錦上路 ^Yuhn Lohng 元朗 ^ Lohng P'lhng 朗屏
Tin Shui Wai Siu Hong
^ Tin Seui Waih 天水圍 ^Siuh Hong 兆康
9) East Rail Line (Dung Tit Sin 東鐵殘)

Tsim Sha Tsui East Hung Horn Mong Kok East
^Jlm Dung 尖東 ^ Huhng Ham 紅谢 ^Wohng Gok Dung 旺角東
Kowloon Tong Tai Wai Sha Tin
^Gau Luhng Tohng ^Daaih Waih 大圍 Sa Tihn 沙田
九龍塘 ^
Fo Tan Racecourse University

Tan 火炭 ^Mah Cheuhng 馬場々Daaih Hohk大學
Tai Po Market Tai Wo Fanling
^Daaih Bou Heui 大墙墟 <=>Taai Woh 太和 ^Fan Lehng 粉嶺
Sheung Shui Lo Wu Lok Ma Chau
OSeuhng Seui 上水 ^>L6h Wuh 羅湖 ^Lohk Mah Jau 落馬洲
10) Ma On Shan Line (Mah On Saan Sin 馬鞍山殘)

Tai Wai Che Kung Temple Sha Tin Wai
■^Daaih Waih 大圍 ^Che Gung M"iu 車公廟 ^Sa Tihn Waih 沙田圍
City One Shek Mun Tai Shui Hang

^Daih Yat Sihng 第一城 ^Sehk Miihn 石門 ^Daaih Seui Haang 大水坑
Heng On Ma On Shan Wu Kai Sha

^>Hahne On 恆安 ^Mah On Saan 馬鞍山 KaiSa烏溪沙
11) Light Rail (Hing Tit 輕鐵）

(Please check the route map and stations.)
192
Lesson 14
Exercise
1* Write the answers to the following questions in Cantonese.

(Please check the website of Transport Department of HKS ARhttp://www. td/gov. hk/)
1) neih muih yaht daap mat yeh che faan hohk ga?
2) yauh neih uk kei heui Jung Waahn, daap mat yeh che a?
3) Heung Gong Dou yat houh ba si ge jung jaahm hai bln douh a?
4) neih j\ mh Ji gei do houh s*iu ba heui saan deng a?
5) heui saan deng ge laahm che jaahm hai bin douh a?
6) gei do houh ba si glng Gam Jung deih tit jaahm a?
7) ngoh seung heui Tin Sing Mah Tauh, hai bln go deih tit jaahm
lohk che a?
8) hai Heung Gong daap siu ba, lohk che yiu gong mat yeh a?

1) What transportation do you take to go to work?
2) Do you know where your teacher lives?
3) My friend and I walk to the Central MTR station everyday.
4) I want to go to the City Hall. What transportation should I take?
5) May I ask if this minibus passes by the Landmark?
6) Driver, I want to get off at the HSBC headquarters.

Lesson 15 Finding Your Way
Learning Objectives
1. To ask how to carry out an action using “cfim yeung”
2. To give instruction to find one’s way
3. To coordinate/indicate a sequence of events with “y'lhn hauh”
4. To ask how long it takes to do something using “gei noih”
5. To state Time-duration of an event
6. To state the possibility or likelihood that something will happen with “wiiih”
cheng mahn n"i fiuh

n"i t'luh haih Bat Da Gaai, ch"ihn mihn
haih mat veh gaai a?
go t'iuh gaai iauh haih Dak Fuh Douh laak.
neih wuih gin dou leuhng jek s"i Ji jeuhng,
go douh iauh haih Wuih Fung Ngahn Hohng
jung hong laak.
194
Lesson 15
Dialogue
^ CD —T76
^my is asking the way to the HSBC headquarters in Central.

cheng mahn n"i ti uh haih mat y eh gaai a?
請問呢條係乜嘢街呀？
(Excuse me, what street is this?)
Passer-by: nl t'luh haih Bat Da Gaai.
呢條係畢打街。
(This is Redder Street.)
Jimy: gam, Wuih Fung Ngahn Hohng jung hong hai bln douh a?
瞰，匯豐銀行總行喺邊度呀?
(Well, where is the HSBC headquarters?)
(Passer-6y: Wuih Fung Ngahn Hohng jung hong hai Dak Fuh Douh.
匯豐銀行總行喺德輔道。
(The HSBC headquarters is on Des Voeux Road.)
Jimy: cheng mahn dim yeung heui a?

請問點樣去呀？
(How do I get there, please?)
(PasserSy: chihn mihn go ti uh gaai jauh haih Dak Fuh Douh laak.
前面嗰條街就係德輔道嘞。
(That street ahead is Des Voeux Road.)
neih heung bak jihk haahng，hai gaai hau jyun yauh,
你向北直行，喺街口轉右，
(Go north straight down the road, turn right at the junction，...)
yihn hauh heung dung haahng la!
然後向東行啦！
(•••then go east.)
Jbny: yiu haahng gei noih a?

^ 要行幾耐呀？
(How long does it take to walk there?)
(Passer-6y: neih joi haahng ngh fan jung,
你再行五分鐘，
(You walk 5 minutes more.)
neih wuih gin dou Wuih Fung Ngahn Hohng muhn hau ge
你會見到匯豐銀行門口嗯
(You'll see two lion statues at the entrance of the HSBC".)
leuhng jek si ji jeuhng, go douh jauh haih laak.
兩隻獅子像，嗰度就係糊。
(...and that will be it.)
^my： jan haih rhh goi saai neih a.

真係唔該晒你呀。
(Thank you very much indeed.)
195
Vocabulary ®CDT77
1. t'luh 條 M: [a measure word for street or things with a

i long shape]
i
2. g&ai 街（m: t'luh 條） N: street i
3. Bat Da Gaai 畢打衔 PN: Pedder Street [a major street in Central

! Hong Kong Island]
4. Dak Fuh Douh 德輔道 PN: Des Voeux Road

[a major street in Central, Hong Kong Island]
5. dl m y bung 點樣（+ Verb) QW： how (to do sth.) (also “dim”）

一
6. dim yeung heui a?點樣去呀？ SE: How to get there?

...j
7. .jauh 就(+ Verb) Adv: (in L. 15) [tells the result and signifies emphatic
confirmation, that what is stated is true]
i
一
8. heung 向(+ Object) Prep: toward; face to
___ i
9. bik北 N: north
j
；10. diing 東 N: east

j
11. haahng 行 V. to walk

:
12. jihk haahng 直行 Ph: walk straight on/ahead
Map of Centra[:
196
Lesson 15
13_ gaai hau 街口 N:丨 street intersection; street junction

! .... i (also“louh hau 路口”）
14. jyun 轉(+ Direction) V: to turn (direction)

(e.g.jyun yauh)
15. yauh 右 N: the right side; the right-hand side
16. y'lhn hauh 然後(+ Event2} Conj: afterwards (used to coordinate a sequence of
events) (also 4tgan jyuh 跟住”）
17. gei noih 幾财 QW: how long
18. joi 再 f + Verb) Adv: again； once more [to mark the repetition
of an action ]
19. fan jung 分鐘(Nu + fan jung) N: | minute (of time duration)
20. wiiih 會 C + Verb) AV: would； will [stresses the possibility or

likelihood of such an event]
21. gin dou見到 V: to see [indicating achieving a desired result

through an action]
22. muhn hau 門口 N: doorway; entrance

- ■_ -- i .■ - - — ■ ■ ■—* * * *"' * _ ...
M: [a general measure wordfor most animals]
23. jek隻
24. si ji 獅子(M: jek 隻) N: lion

— —— —
25. jeuhng 像 N: statue
Sentence Structure
1. To ask how to carry out an action using 4t(fim y6ung”
e.g. 1. neih muih yaht dim veung faan gung ga?
(How do you go to work every day?)
Topic + (/Subject) + dim yeunp + Verbal phrase + a/ga ?
e.g. 2. gam ii u neih dim veune faan hohk ea?

(How did you go to school this morning?)
e.g. 3. neih ee mene dim veune se a?

(How do you write your name?)
e.g. 4. Yine Man ee ‘Goodbve’. Gwong Dune Wa dim veune gone a?

(How do you say ‘Good-bye,in Cantonese?)
e.g. 5. (neoh) dim veune chine fu neih a? [formal way to ask one's namel
(How may 1 address you?)
e.g. 6. neih uk kei dim veune heui ea?

(How do I get to your home?)
^Your eâmp(e(s):
________________ dim ybung_________________________________ a?
2. To give instruction to find one’s way

e.g. neih heupg bak jihk haahng, hki gaai hau jvun yauh.
(Go north straight down the road, turn right at the junction.)
198
Lesson 15
3. To coordinate/indicate a sequence of events with 4<y 1 hn hauh”

e.g. h&i gaai hau jyun yauh, vihn hauh heung dung haahng la!
(Turn right at the junction, then go east straight ahead.)
4. To ask how long it takes to do something

e.g. yiu haahng gei noih a?
(How long does it take to walk there?)
ôur examp[e(s)
_______________yiu
199
5. To state Time-duration of an event

e.g. neih joi haahng ngh fan iung.
(You walk 5 minutes more.)
6. To state the possibility or likelihood that something will happen with ‘Viih”
e.g. neih wuih gin dou Wuih Fung Ngahn Hohng muhn hau ge
leuhng jek si ji jeuhng.
(You 'll see the two lion statues at the entrance of the HSBC.)
Subject + wuih + Verbal phrase.
J i k
厂 -
1. ngoh uk kei yahn (my family) 1. leih Heung Gong (to come to HK)
2. keuih deih (they) 2. heui leuih hahng (to go travel)
3. louh baan (boss) 3. cheng sihk faahn (to treat a meal)
4. ngoh deih (we) ) 4. hou hoi sam (very happy)
A
ôur examp[e(s):
i.5n muht ngoh wuih
J
________________ ______ _ ~~~
200
Lesson 15
FYI — 1. Directions
b&k北
(North)
sAi西 dung ^
(West) (East)
naahm 南
(South)
FYI — 2. Banks in Hong Kong
1. Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Wuih Fung Ngahn Hohng 匯豐銀行
Corporation (HSBC)
2. Bank of China (Hongkong) Jung Gwok Ngahn Hohng 中國銀行
3. Hang Seng Bank Hahng Sang Ngahn Hohng
4. Standard Chartered Bank Ja Da Ngahn Hohng
5. The Bank of East Asia Dung A Ngahn Hohng 東亞銀行
6. Bank of Communications Gaau Tung Ngahn Hohng 交通銀行
7. DBS Bank Limited Sing JTin Ngahn Hohng 星展銀行
8. Dah Sing Bank Limited Daaih San Ngahn Hohng
9. Citibank Hong Kong Limited Fa Keih Ngahn Hohng :?t旗銀■{亍
201
FYI — 3. Time-duration
Q: neih leih jo Heung Gong gei noih a?
A: ngoh leih jo Heung Gong_____________
il. year(s) Nu. + nihn 〜年*

1
； :
2. month(s) Nu. + go yuht 〜個月
i1
i
丨3. week(s)
I Nu. + go sing keih ~ 個星期
1
i
|4. day(s) Nu. + yaht ~ a*

!
：5. night(s) Nu. + m&ahn 〜晚*

i
6. hour(s) Nu. + go jung tauh -個鐘頭
7. minute(s) Nu. + fan jung -分鐘*

1
:8. second(s) Nu. + miuh jung ~ 秒鐘*
1 9. a little while yatjahn 一陣

I
1
lio. longtime hou noih 好耐
1
*Note that “n'lhn”，“yaht”，“m3ahn”，ufan,J & “ml uh” can also be measure words
by themselves; therefore there is no need to use the measure word “go”.
202
Lesson 15
[Exercise
卜i i *i*WTiVi
1. Translate the following into English.

1) hai bi n douh a?
2) d*i m yeung heui a?
3) mat yeh gaai a?
4) jyun yauh
5) jyunjo
6) jihk haahng
7) heung dung haahng
8) yiu gei noih a?
9) ngh fan jung
10) go douh jauh haih laak.
1) You want to ask how to say ‘‘Happy，’ in Cantonese.
You say:
2) You want to ask formally how you should address someone’s name.
You say: _
3) You want to tell the taxi driver to go straight and turn right at the street junction.
You say: ______
4) You want to tell the taxi driver to go to Wan Chai and then to Causeway Bay.
You say:_ _
5) You want to ask how long you would have to wait.
You say: _
6) You want to say you have learned Cantonese for two months.
You say:_________________________________________________________ _
7) You want to tell someone that he/she will see two lion statues at the entrance
204
(^[ossary
1. Cantonese to English
2. English to Cantonese
3. Grammatical Terms* 1
The Cantonese to English list includes:
1. Words which appear in the Introduction (U.l) and
Numerals (U.2);
2. Words used in the Dialogue and the Story (L. 1 - 15);
3. Words which are introduced in the FYI (L. 1-15);
4. Related words in example sentences in the Sentence
Structure (L. 1 一 15);
5. Extra related words, marked by a
Note that the “h” marking low tones is ignored in the

alphabetical ordering, for example, ‘‘b6ng，’ precedes
“bohng” • While words only differ in tone they are given in
the following order: high falling, high rising, middle level,

low falling, low rising, low level，for example, “I3ih”
precedes “laih”.
The English to Cantonese contains the same list of words
indexed in English. Note that all the Measure Words (M)

and Particles (Part) in the Cantonese list are under the entries
“measure words” and “particles” respectively.
Cantonese - ÊngCisfi QCossary
• bak 北(WJ north L.15

a 鸦(TV) crow U.l Bak Gihk 北極 L.5*
a °Y (Port) [a modal particle used at the L.12 Bak Gok 北角(PN) a MTR station: L.14
end of sentence，indicating suêstionl North Point
a 呀(Part) [an interrogative particle L.2 Bak Hohn 北韓f/WJ North Korea L.5*
commonly used at the end of a question Bak Meih Jau 北美洲(7WJ L.2
to express an inquiry] North America
a 0牙(Part) fa modal particle used to L.4 ban gun 1 館(N) guesthouse L.3
soften the tone of a confirmation in a
statement ] bat 筆(N) pen U.2
a 阿（Pref) fused as a prefix to names; a L.7 Bat Da Gaai 畢打衔(PN) Pedder Sfreef L.15
polite and friendly form of addressing [a major street in Central, Hong Kong
people] Island]
A Gan Tihng M根廷(PN) Argentina L.5* bat gwo不過(Conj) but, however L.7
A Jau 亞洲 L.2 be jau 吟酒(TV) beer L.3
a s6uh 阿 Sir(Pn) Sir L.1 bei 俾give; to pay L.13
ah 牙（Part) [a modal particle, used at the L.10 bei chfin 俾錢(W)吣 pay; to give money L.13
end of a statement to form a supposition Bei Leih Sih 比利時(PN) Belgium L.5*
question seeking confirmation] behng 病i(Adj) sick U.l
Aai Kahp 唉反(PN) Egypt L.5* B"ik Loh Cheun 碧螺春(7WJ L.12
a am 0老(Adj) correct L.ll Pi-luo-chu tea, best known as Queen of
aan jau 晏畫(TV) afternoon U.2 all green teas
ai 矮(Adj) short(in height) U.l b"in di 邊咐(QWj which L.10
(also pronounced as “nâi”) b'in douh 邊度where L.2
am ^(N) nunnery U.l bin gaan 邊間fQW) which building L.10
Au Jau 歐洲(PN) Europe L.2 bihn leih dim 使利/S(N) L.9
Au Loh 歐羅(7W) Euros L.4 convenience store
Au Yeuhng 歐陽Chinese L.1 bo loh baau 後蘿包(TV) L.10
surname: Auyeung pineapple(-like) bun
Au Yuhn 致元(N) Euros L.4 bo loh yauh 波後油(N) buttered L.10
• CB pineapple(-like) bun
Bok Uahm Gu 博隻館(PN)a MTR L.14
Ba Laih 巴黎(PN) Paris L.5
station: Asia World-Expo
Ba Lahm 巴沐(PN) Bahrain L.5*
Bou Lei 普洱(/W) (see "Pou Lei") L.12
Ba Nah Mah 巴言馬(PN) Panama L.5*
bou hfim gung s"i 保险公司(N) L.7
Ba Sai 巴西（PN) Brazi! L.5*
insurance company
ba si 巴士(TV)办wj L.14 L.14
Bou Lahm 寶琳(7WJ
b备 si jaahm 巴士站(N) bus stop L.14 a MTR station: Po Lam
bah ba father L.4 bou ji 板纸XN) newpapers L.8
baai baai 手+拜(S£) bye-bye L.6 bui 杯（WJ glass, cup, mug L.11
baak 百(Nu) hundred U.l bui 杯（Af) a cup of [a measure of the L.ll
baak fo giing sli百貨公司⑼ L.7 quantity of something that a cup will
department store hold]
baahk iik 白粥(N) plain rice congee L.10 bun 本(M) [a measure for books; U.2
baahk s-ik 白色(N) white colour L.13 magazines]
Baahk Wa 白話（PN) white/plain speech U.l bun deih wa 本地話(7VJ local dialect L.6
L.3 Bun Saan 年山(PN) Mid-Level: a L.14
baabn gung sat 辦公 office
U.l district in HK Island
baat 八(Nu) eight
L.4 •(:
baat daabt ting kaat 八達通。吉
cha 叉(TV)fork L.3
Octopus card -------- ------------
L.13 cha (Adj) bad; not up to standard L.ll
baat jit 八析(N) 20% off_____________
cha slu baau 又燒包(7VJ barbecue pork L.12
baat vuht八月 _
八—匕____________
L.8
L.10 buns (a kind ofpopular dim-sum)
baau 银(Adj)full______________________
206
cha siu chaan baau 又燒餐包(7VJ L.12 cheung fan 腸粉(N) rice noodle rolls L.10
Western style barbecue pork buns L.10
cheung jai 腸仔(AO sausage
cha siu sou 又洗蛛(N) barbecue pork L.12 L.5
cheung go唱歌容
pastries L.5
cheung ka laai ou kei 唱卡拉
cfaah chaan teng 茶餐觀(N} L.9 OKfVOj karaoke
Hong Kon兒 style cafe
cheuhng 長(/\办)long L.ll
chih yihp 茶葉(N) tea leaves L.13 Cheuhng Sa Waahn 長沙灣(PN) L.14
chaai daan che 踩單車(WJ eye"叩 L.6 a MTR station: Chuen只 Sha Wan
Chaaih Waan 柴灣(PN)a MTR station L.14 cheut 出 fV) exit; go/come out from U.l
Chai Wan L.10
cheut gaat 出術
chân teng 餐廳(TV) restaurant L.7 cheut hau ^ 口（N) exit L.2
chaang jap 撥汁(W) orange juice L.ll cheut mihn 出面(N) outside L.9
chaang s"ik 榜:色(N) orange L.13 cheut n'in 出年(W) (see ucheut nihn”) L.8
chaau daan 炒蛋(N) fried scramble L.10 cheut nihn 出年(7VJyear U.2;
chaau faahn 炒飯(N) fried rice L.12 L.8
chaau mihn 妙紙(N) fried noodle L.10 chi ^(Adj) sticky U.l
chahm yaht 0尋曰(N) yesterday L.8 cfafi sm 餘線(Adj) crazy L.ll
chan so玲所(N) c丨inic L.7 chi sau ban 刺编品(W) L.13
Chahn 陳f/W) a Chinese surname: L.l embroideries
Chan, Chen chi so厕所(7^) washroom; toilet L.3
Chahn STiu Fihng 陳小平f/WJ L.7 ch'ih 遲(Adj) late U.l
a Chinese name: Siu-Pin只 Chan chm 十（Nu) thousand L.13
chat -t(Nu) seven U.l chfin ik(N) money L.4
Chat Hei 七 1(PN) 7 up L.ll ch'ih n mihn 觉面(N) in front; ahead; L.3
chat jit -bilr(N) 30% off L.13 the front side
chat yuht 七月（PN) July L.8 chihn mun 觉？'(N) front door L.3
chau 敗(Adj) ugly L.ll ch'ihn rfin 前年(TV) k從 lich)hn n、 ihn”) L.8
chau yeung 醜樣(Ac/j) ugly L.ll chihn mhn '^年(N) the year before last L.8
chau 臭(Adj) smelly，stench L.ll ch'ihn yaht 前日(WJ //ze day before L.8
che 隼(N) a car [general term usedfor U.l yesterday
any wheeled vehicle] ch'ing cho清隻(Adj) clear U.l
che fohng 萆■烏(N) garage L.3 elfmg fii稱呼(T)⑺a以化yj L.15
chek mah 尺碼(7VJ size L.13 ching n'lhn leuih se 青年旅舍(WJ L.3
cheng s~ik 青色(N) yellowish green L.13 youth hostels
cheng 請(V) please (+ verb) [used to L.ll Ching Yi 青衣a MTR station: L.14
show politeness in requests or ChinR Ti
commands to mean 'be obliging chlm jing 簽證(WJ visa L.4
enough (to)，] cbim meng 簽名(K)的 sign L.3
cheng i^(V) invite, treat, serve or L.12 chim meng 簽笔[N) signature L.3
entertain someone to sth. (bear the ch'ihm seui 潛水d/ve L.6
expense of the entertainment) ch'iu kap sih cheuhng L.9
cheng mahn請問 L9
supermarket
cheng sihk faahn 請食飯(VO) L.J5 ch'iuh jau fan gwo潮洲粉果(WJ L.12
treat a meal Chiu Chow style dumplings
Cheuih 徐(PN)a Chinese surname: 」
chiuh jau seui jmg baau 潮洲水晶包 L.12
Chui, Tsui, Zee - (N) Chiu Chow style sweet paste bun又
cheuih bln 隨便(VWvj 办似one pleases I」3 cho錯wrong L.ll
cheuih fong 窗高(N) kitchen 1一.3 choh坐⑺
cheuih si 麼師(N) a cook; a chef L..7 L.3
choh 坐ride (a mode of
chiun gyiin 春卷(N) spring ro丨Is {a ’ 1-.12 L.14
transportation)
kind of popular ditn-sutn) —---------------- choh che 坐車CVO) ride a ca^~h^7T~ laT
cheun 蠢：(Adj) stupid---------- ------ j： ..11 choh fei gei 坐飛機— CuH
cheung toih ^ 台洲 window-ledge l,.3 aeroplane; by aeroplanp
207
ch(ih fo ehc 少力14 Dnuih Scuj Haang 大水坑 L14 ]
tok/- a Ira in; by train
n MTK“i"n: Tfji Shut Han^ .
Choi Hiihng (lfN) "14 Daaih Waih : LA4 !
“ MIH Mniinn: ( hui llun^
a MTK smiinn: Tai Wai
Ch0) :i(N) Vry,rt„hln \,2 ' L.14 |
Daaih Wo Hau 大寫口WA) ，:
ch(»hng whi yuh »6 ..3 a MTK station: Tai Wo Hau *
/w/ sjxu r ujKntmntts Daaih Wuih Tohng 大會堂/八\) LM |
chouh ^(Adj) noisy Cily Hall ^ 1
chung Icuhng ；t ..8 Daaih Yuh Saan 九峰d>(PN) LJO
Umtau Island
tnkr n bath (tr shower
daan ^(N) a bill; single U.l
chung Icuhng fong •；,|,-iff.^(N) ..3
\mihroom daan che 幕奉(N) bicycie L.14
chung rn'ihng 聰明f/W力 Daan Mahk 丹麥{PN) Denmark L.5*
smart, intelligent
daan yahn fong 單人房 L.3
chuhng loih mh 從來唔(/WWmwr ..7 single room
chyuh fong kitchen L.3 daan 蛋(N) egg L.ll
chyuh s"i )i\ ('^(N) cook; a chef L.7 daabn taat 蛋後(N) (lit. egg tart) L.10
chyun so ba si 穿梭巴士(WJ L.2 C2R custard tart
shuttle bus daap搭⑺ U.l
ride (a mode of transportation)
Chyuhn Waan 荃灣WJ L.14
a M^l'R station: Tsuen Wan daap che 搭車(Wj ride a car; by car L.14
• © daap deih tit 搭地鐵(VOj fc)，MTR L.14
da bik kauh ij壁球(WJ play squash L.6 daap dik si 搭的士 take a taxi; by taxi L.14
da bing bam bo打兵兵波fW) L.6 daap syuhn 搭船 L.14
play table tennis dai i&(Adj) low L.ll
da bo打波(VOJ play ball games L.8 dai 抵worthy L.13
da (dihn wi)打（電話）fV^ dial U.l dai maaih 才氐買(SE) worth buying L.13
da gouyih fu kauh 打高 g 夫球 L.6 daih dai 系系(N) younger brother L.5
plciy fiolf
Daih Yat ffihng 第一城f/W) L.14
da gung fu il功 k(VO) kungfu L.6 a MTR station: City One
da jih 打字(VO) type L.6 dak 得f/Wj) alright; okay; fine [used to U.l
da laahm kauh 打籃球fVCM L.6 express approval or permission]
play basketball Dak Fuh Douh 德輔道(P/VJ L.15
da leuih kauh 打壘球(VOJ L.6 Des Voeux Road [a major street in
play baseball Central, Hon兄 Kon泛 Island]
da mah jeuk iiSH(VO) play mahjon只 L.5 Dak Gwok 國(PN) Germany L.5*
da mohng kauh iii^^(VO) L.6 dak haahn 得閒(VW/) have free time; L.8
not busy
play tennis
L.6 dak mh dak a?得。吾得呀？ (SE) L.13
da paaih kauh 打排球(WJ Is it okay?
play volley-ball
Dak Man 德艾(PN) (see ''Dak Mahniy) L.6
da yuh mouh kauh 打羽毛球(W) L.6
play badminton Dak Mahn 德文(TV) German language L.6
daaih 九(Adj) bi只 U.l dang wai 燈位(P/iJ L.14
the place of traffic li^ht
Daaih Baan Wa 大阪話(/WJ L.6
dang 等(Y) vvfl/r; U.l
Osaka dialect
dang dang 專專(Ph) wait a moment U.2
Daaih Bou Heui 大域墟(PN) L.14
a MTR station: Tai Po Market Dahng Siu Pihng 部小平(7W) L.1
Den只 Xiaoping
daaih gaam ga 大咸價(SE) a sale L.13
dauh fuh fa 豆腐花(TV) L.12
[products at reduced price] bean curd dessert
daaih ga 尺苳(Pn) all, everybody L.5 dauh jeung Sl 策(N) soya bean milk L.10
Daaih Hohk 大學(/W) L.14 deih ha 地下(7VJ ground floor L.9
a MTR station: University deih tit 地鐵(TV) MTR [Mass Transit L.9
daaih hohk suk se 大學伯舍 L.3 Railway]
uni versify's hostel ______ ___________ deih tit jaahm 地鐵站(TV) MTR station L.9
daaih luhk 大陸(/W L.2 deih touh地圖(⑺所叩. L.2
mainland: the continent --------------- --- deui 對(M) fa measure for a pair of U.2
daaih mah 大瑪(W) large siz^------------- L.13 objects, such as shoes, hands, chopsticks]
Haa.h sene 尺聲(Adj) lou±__------------ U.2 deui mh jyuh 對唔住仍^^，. U.2

L.15 excuse me
Daaih San Ngahn Hohng 八㈣朽
deui mihn 繁面(N) opposite (side) L.9
(PN) Dnh Sing Bank Limited------ -----------
208
di °^](Part) a little more... [a structural L.13 dvun 短f/W/) short (in length) L.11
particle used after adjectives to denote
the comparative decree] • £
ei ei iai A A 制(SE)客<? L.12
di k si 的-b(N) taxi L.2
di k si jaahm 的士站(W) taxi stand L.14 癱 (F
fa 花(TV) flower U.l
dlk si si gei 的士司機(尸⑴ taxi driver p.51
Dihk Sih Neih 迪士尼(7WJ L.14 fa chah 花茶(7VJ scented tea: a mixture L.12
Disneyland Resort offried tea leaves and fresh fragrant
dihn che 電車(TV) mm? L.14 flowers
Fa Keih Ngahn Hohng 花旗銀行f/W) L.15
dihn che jaahm 電車站(TV) tram station L.14
Citibank Hong Kong Limited
dihn daan che 電翠車(M) motor bike L.14 L.5
fa hohk 化學(TV)
dihn ji gung chihng 電子工程(7VJ L.5
faai AkfAdj) fast; quick U.l
electronic engineering
faai chaan dim 快餐店 L.2
dihn tai 電梯(TVJ escalator; elevator L.3
(N) fast food shop
dihn wa 電話(N) telephone L.2
faan i^(V) return; go/come back L.9
dihng 定(Conj) or (see “dihng haih”) L.11
faan gung go to work; L.8
dihng haih 足银(Conj) or [only used in L.11
只o on duty
a question indicating options] faan hohk 返學go吣 school; L.6
dim 點(M) (shortform of “cTim jungtf) U.l attend school
cfim 點(short form of “dim L.15 fian iik kfei 返 1 企(VO) go/come home L.12
yeung,r) faan yihk 翻譯(N) transUition L.5
dim jung o’clock U.l L.5
faan yihk 翻譯fK)/m/w/are
cTim yeung 點樣((2VK) how (to do sth.) L.15 L.12
faahn 飯(N) cooked rice
(Tim yeung ch'ing fu neih a?點樣稱 L.15
faahn teng 飯蔽(N) dining room L.3
呼你呀？（Q) How may / address you? L.5 1
Faat Gw ok 法菌（PN) France
<fim yeung heui a?點樣去呀？ (S£) L.15
Faat jihk Tou Yih Keih yahn 法藉 L.5
How to get there?
dip 锋、(N) a plate U.l
土耳其尺(Ph) French Turk
Faat Man 法艾(PN) (see “FaatMhhn”) L.6
_J
dihp 碟(MJ a plate of L.11
Faat Mahn 法艾(PN) French 丨angucige L.6
d6多(Adj) a lot; many; much U.l
Faat yeuih Ga Nah Daaih yahn L.5
do jeh 多1^(SE) thank you, many L.5 法裔加余大尺(Ph) Canadian of French
thanks [express one's gratitude] descent _____
do jeh sin 多謝先0幻 thank you in L.12 fan 分(M) minute U.2 I
advance fan jung 令钱(Suff) minute(s) L.15
si 多士 (W) toast L.10 (of time duration) _____
L.7 Fan Laahn 芬陆(PN) Finhind L.5* 1
dou ^(Adv) also; too
dou 都a//; all-inclusive [no L.8 fan 粉(N) rice noodles L.10
exception] Fan Lehng 粉歲(PN) L.14
dou cheuhng 姥場(TV) ccLs/rn? L.9 a MTR station : Finling
L.8 fan 昀(⑺ sleep L.15
dou i\(Prep) until; to
douh ga nk 度假屋(N) holiday flats L.3 fan gaau 聪i it (VO) sleep L.8
duhk 讀(V)吣 school; study L.5 fahn fn(M) [a measure for objects in a U.2
set, such as documents, newspapers; a
duhk daaih hohk 讀大學 L.8 sandwich or a job]
university fe sik ^ 色(N) brown L.13
duhk syi 讀書(VO) study in school; L.5 fei gei 飛機(W) airplane L.14
study; read books Fei Jau 非洲(PN) Africa
L.15 L.2
ding東(Wj從对 Fei Leuht Ban 蘇律賓（PN}Philippines L.5
Ding A Ngahn Hohng 東亞銀行 L.15
Fei Leuht Ban Wa 菲律賓話(7W) L.6
The Bank of East Asia --------------- Filipino language
Ding Chins 東-;k(PN) a MTR siatwn: L.14 Fei yeuih Meih Gwok yahn 与卜裔美
L.5
Tun^ Chung __ ----------------- 國人(Ph> American of African …,
Dung Gin Wkh 董建華 CV"- L.l
T_ the first Chief Executive ofHKSAR
feih m(Adj) fat
saai 51 Free 晒士（Phi
--------------
士。
nri
dung '^(Adi) cold; iced--------------------- LJ.l -Eilj
209
Fo Geih Daaih Hohk 科技大學(7W) L.V gaau wuhn 交換(V) exchange L.5
The Hong Kong University of Science
and Technology_____ gaau 敎(V) teach L.7
fo che 火車(TV) train L.14 gaau lihn 教味(N) coach; instructor L.7
fo chc jaahm 火車站f/V) L.14 gaau sauh 教後(N)professor L.7
railway station gaau yuhk 教育(W) education L.5
Fo Tan 火炭(TWja MTR station: Fo Tan L.14 gai daan 雞蛋(TV)印g L.11
fo teui 火腿(TV) ham L.10 gai meih baau M尾 tL(N) cocktail bun L.10
fo teui tung fan 火腿通粉(7V!) L.10 gam chihn touh 金錢肚(W) L.12
macaroni in soup with ham stewed beef tripe
fo chihng 課程(TV) course L.1 gam go sing keih 今個星期(TV) L.8
fongbihn 方便(/W/) L.ll this week
fong 房(Wj room L.3 gam go yuht 今個月this month L.8
fong gung 放工fW) finish work at the L.12 Gam Jung 金钱(PN) a MTR station: L.2
Admiralty
end of the day; off duty________________ (L.8)
gam maahn 今晚(N) tonight L.8
fu 褲 f/V) trousers U.l
gam mn 今年(N) (see ugam n)hn”) L.8
fuh gahn 附近(TV) vicinity; nearby L.9
gam nihn 今年(7VJ this year L.5
fuh mouh 父母(TV) parents L.11
gam sik 金色(N) gold colour L.13
fui sik 反色(N) grey L.13
gam sik 金飾(N) go丨djewellery L.13
fun bei 歡喜(VW/) happy U.l
gam yaht 今日(W) today L.8
fun yihng 歡迎阳 welcome L.1
gam ^(/ntj) so, well...(occurs preceding L.1
fun yihng gwong lahm 歡迎光臨 L.1 sentence and serves to fill a pause or
(SE) welcome for coming____________ transition)
fuhng jaau 鳳爪(WJ L.12 Gam Seuhng Louh 錦上路(7W) L.14
steamed chicken feet a MTR station: Kam Sheung Road
fut yii(Adj) wide U.l gan 跟follow U.2
Q gan jyuh 跟住(Conj) afterwards; then L.15
|ga加⑺add L.11 gan 緊(Part) [an aspect particle used L.8
ga daaih mah 加大碼(7V0 L.13 after a verb indicating an action in
\extra-large size____________ progress]
gan jeung 繁張(Adj) nervous L.ll
Ga Nah Daaih 加拿大(尸⑺ Canada L.5
gau 物(N) a dog U.l
ga sai mah 加細运3(Ph) extra-small size L.13
Ga Yuhn ^tl(PN) Canadian Dollars~ L.4 gau 九(Nu) nine U.l
ga 架(M) [a measure word for vehicles; U.2 gau gau gau 九九九(Nu)( telephone no. U.2
{machines; e.g: cars, airplane] for police; emergency call)
gau jit 九祈(N) discount of ]0percent L.13
ga。架(Pan) [an interrogative particle L.6
\used to ask something that happened in [9/10th of the original price]
\the past or to require an answer straight Gau Luhng 九龍(PN) Kowloon L.2
\awayj ______________ ；_____________ Gau Luhng Jau Dim 九龍酒店(7WJ L.2
|ga fe 咖嗜(N) coffee L.ll Kowloon Hotel
|ga fe sik 咖_ 色向 brown Gau Luhng Tohng 九龍塘(PN) L.14
L.13
a MTR station: Kowloon Tong
|gaai 銜(N) street L.15
Gau Luhng Waan 九龍灣(7W) L.14
Igaai hau street intersection; L.14
a MTR station: Kowloon Bay
\street junction___________ ___________ gau yuht 九只（PN) September L.8
Igaai sih 銜市(N) market _________ __ L.9 gau mehng a 教命°^(SE) help!! U.2
gaak leih neighboring; nextto L.9 gauh 舊(Adj) old (not new) L.ll
gaan f^(M) [a measure for buildings; L.9 gauh nin 舊年(W) (see “gauh nihn") L.8
mouses and rooms] gauh nihn 舊年(N) last year L.8
jGaan Pouh Jaaih 柬端寨(PN) L.5* ge °ti(Part) [a structural particle used L.1
\Cambodia to indicate possession, similar to fs in
L.7 English]
gaan jang 間中（Adv) occasionally—
(giau ging t^T^ôisubrr^ L.12 ge °&i(Part) [a modal particle used at the L.6
end of a sentence to answer a question
{homework ending with “ga” or to give an
Gaau Tung Nglhnll^hng 交通銀饤 LA5 explanation]
gei cheuhng 機:場(N) airport L.2
\(PN) Bank of Communications----- ---------
210
gei cheuhng ba si 機場巴士(WJ L.2 goh go哥哥fW elder brother L.5
airbus
gok dak 覺得 ro think; to feel L.IO
gei cheuhng faai sin 機場快線 L.2 gon ^L(Adj) dry U.l
Airport Express
gong 港(7VJ harbour U.l
gfei 幾(VWv) quite; fairly L.8 gong 講（V) speak; talk L.7
gei chin 幾錢fgWJ L.4 Gong Baih 港幣(7W) Hong Kong L.4
(short form of usei do chin”)
dollars; Hon只 Kong currency
gei do幾多(GW) L.3 Gong Daaih 港大(PN) (shortform of L.l
what; how many; how much llHeuns 06Daaih Hohk1')
gei do chfin 幾多錢(0% L.4 Gong si k 港式(TV) short form of L.10
how much (money) ilHeuns Gon^ s_ik”、
gei do houh 幾多號fQWJ vv/za, L.3 GongTit 港鐵(PN)MTR L.14

(Mass Transit Railway]
gei do seui 幾多歲(QWJ L.4
how many years old; how old
Gong Yuhn 港元(TV) Hong Kong L.4
dollars; Hong Kong currency
gei do yihn 幾多人 L.4
How many people
gou 高(Adj> tall; high L.ll
U.2 gu din yam ngohk 古典音樂(W) L.5
gei hou ^^(Ph) quite good
classical music
gei noih ^kM(QW) how long L.15
guih 边(Adj) tired U.l
gei si h 幾時fQW) when: at what time L.8
Giik B6u 菊夸(PN) L.12
geng hot 頭渴(Adj) thirsry L.ll Pu’er tea with chrysanthemum
geui chuhng 舉重(TOJ w/g/"茗 L.6 guhk )Mj(V) baked L.12
geuk 腳(Wj a leg; foot U.l Gun Tohng 親塘f/WJ L.14
gin 見(T) ”2從,，.s伙 U.l a MTR station: Kwun Tong
gin dou 見到從 L.15 gun î(M) a can of [a measure for the U.2
[indicating achieving a desired result quantity of something that a can will
hold]
through an action]
L.5 gun tong gaau 灌湯飯(W) L.12
gin juk hohk 建集學(N)architecture
soup dumplings
gihn i^r(M) [a measure word for items U.2 L.7
gung chong ^-^(N)factory
of clothing usually on top，such as shirt,
coat, etc.] gung mouh yuhn 公務員(WJ L.7
civil servant
ging經⑺ L.I4
gung seung gun leih 工商管理(AO L.5
via; to pass by; to pass through
business mana^ment
ging jai 經濟(N) economics L.5 L.7
ging si 公司(N) company;
ging leih 經理(TV) L.7 corporation; firm
ging seuhng 經常(Adv) always; often L.7 gung yahn 工尺(N) worker; servant; L.7
amah; maid; domestic helper
ging chaat police L.7
gung yun 公S\(N)park L.9
ging guk 每M}(N)police station L.9
L.12 gwaai ^(Adj) good; obedient L.11
git fan 結婚
g w a l 貴(Adj) expensive U.l
giu 叫(V) L.l
to be called; named; known as; to call gwaih yihn gh 植員後(N) L.9
teller machine
giu jouh 叫做f阳以 called; named; L.10
known as
gwan seui 浪木(Pft) boiling water L.12
Go Leuhn Bei A 哥倫比亞 L.5*' gwo jeung 過獎(SE) you flatter me L.8
Colombia gwok ga 國家(TV) country L.2
go di °^°^)(Pn) that; those L.10 gwok jai 國際(N) international L.2
go douh 嘴Jt(Pn) there; over there L.2 gwok jai dihn wa kaat 國際電話®# L.4
(Ph) international phone card
go wai 嗰個f.P/i) that person L.10
go個(M) fa measure wordfor people; U.2 Gwok Jai Gam Yuhng Jung Sam L.14
國際金融中心(PN) IFC [International
round objects or abstract things, such as Finance Centre]
1
questions or ideas] gwong cheuhng 廣場(TV) L.14
go jung tauh 個鐘頭(知历 hour(s) loj LJ5 square; plaza
time duration ----------------- Gwong Dung Saang 廣東省

IU*
go Sing keih 個 1 期(S“_ff)wee 吣）f0f L.15 Guan只don只 Province: Canton
time duration] --------------------- Gwong Dung Wa 廣東話(7>而

L.I5 Guangdong speech: Cantonese dialect U.l;
go yuht 個月(Suff) L.6
mnnth(s) —---------------- L
fof time duration】 (as opposed to other Chine从"叫mTl
211
Gwong Dung yahn 廣東人(N) L.7* hauh yaht 後日(TV) f/ie day after L.8
Cantonese people
tomorrow
Gwong Jau 廣州(7W) U.l*
Hei Lihp 希臘(P/V) Greece L.5*
Guangzhou City; Canton
Gwong Jau Wa 廣州話(PN) U.l*; hei sin起身及以wp L.8

Guangzhou speech; Guangzhou dialect L.6 hei seui 汽水(N) soft drinks L.ll
(as opposed to other dialects spoken in
hei yun 板院(N) cinema L.9
Guan^don^ Province)
Gwong Sai Saang 廣西省(PN) heu ^t(N) boot U.l

U.l*
Guanf^xi Province heui 去 L.2
heui gaai go our L.12
ha gaau ^k^(N) shrimp dumpling L.12 heung ^(Adj)fragrant U.l
ha gok 瑕角(TV) deep fried shrimp L.12 heung cheung 香綠(N) sausage L.10
dumplings served with salad dressing Heung Gong 香港(PN) Hong Kong L.5
ha lou 哈姥hello U.2 Heung Gong Daaih Hohk 香港大 L.I
hah chi T二欠(Wj next time U.2 聲(PN)The University of Hong Kong
hah go sing keih 下個星期(TV) L.8 Heung Gong Dahk Biht Hahng Jing U.l*
next week Keui香港特別行政區(7W) 5^c/'a/
hah go yuht 下個月(TV) next month L.8 Administrative Region of Hong Kong
hah jau 下畫 W) PM. U.2 Heung Gong Dou 香港島(7WJ L.2
hah mihn 下面(N) below; under L.9 Hong Kong Island
hah ngh 下午fjVjP.M. U.2 Heung Gong Gaau Yuhk Hohk Yun L.I*
hah yat go下一個(P/i) nexf one U.2 香港教育學mPN)The Hong Kong
Institute of Education
haaih 蘇(N) shoes U.l
Heung Gong Jau Dim 香港酒店f/WJ L.2
haak teng 客廳(TV) living room L.3
Hong Kong Hotel
haahm seui gok 咸水角(N) sticky rice L.12
dumplings with meat
Heung Gong san fan jing 香港身份 L.4
L.14 證 f/V) HKID card
Haang Hau 坑口 (7W) a MTR station:
Hang Hau Heung Gong sik 香港式(7VJ L.10
haahng 行(VJ walk L.15 Hong Kong style
haahng gaai 行銜(TO) L.5 Heung Gong Wa 香港話(7WJ U.l*
shopping; walking around Hong Kong speech; Hong Kong
haahng la 行味似幻 L.12 vernacular
haahng louh 行路(WPJ L.14 Heung Gong yahn 香港人(N) L.6
(lit walk road) walk; on foot Hong Kong people; Hong Kong citizen
laahng saan ^fdi(VO) hike L.5 Heung Pin 香片(PN) jasmine: (he most L.12
lai °i^(V) be at/in/on (a place) L.2 popular scented green tea
hai H(Prep) at; in; on (a place) L.3 heung 向(Prep) toward; face to L.15
lai douh sihk 咐、良食(Ph) eat here L.ll hTing daih 九务…）brothers L.li
haih 供、(V) be [is，am，are; wasf were] L.1 hlng daih ji muih 兄弟姊妹(7^) L.5
L.6 brothers and sisters
laih mh haih 係°吾係(Ph) !s it true?
L.13 hing tit 輕鐵(7VJ light rail L.14
l 盈k sik 黑色(N) black colour
L.ll hing cheui 興趣(JV) a hobby; an interest L.5
lahm baahng laahng 冷
Lill; whole
ho lohk 可樂(N) coke L.ll
Iiahng On 恆安 L.14 Hoh 何(PN) a Chinese surname: Ho L.1

{PN)a MTR station: Hen^ On 一 Hoh Laan 椅竑(PN) Holland; The L.5*
lahng Sang Ngahn Hohng L.15 Netherlands
u5峰鋩 ir(PN) Hnng Sens Bank hoi sam 開心(Adj) happy L.ll
jHahng Fa Chyun $ itiP(^) L.14
L MTR station: Hens Fa Chuen hoi wiii 開會（W) attend a meeting L.6
ahp touh louh 合桃露 L.12 hoi sin gyun 海轉卷(N) seafood rolls L.12
I
hi
...h m.hn 後面（N) at the back L.9
hohk 學(VJ learn; study
hohk haauh 擎故(N) school
L.7
L.1
L mf,n ff hack door

jiia uh mn 後年(N) (seeJiauhjuhnJ_
L.3
L.8
hohk saang 擎 KN) student
hohk saang suk se 學生宿舍(7VJ
L.1
L.13
..1. inlin (N) th^ vear afier n€Xt
L.8 student hostel
ha nil ni hd ix. -*r i/t/ ----------- L.ll hohk yun 學悦(N) college; faculty L.7
-^7^1fiJAdj)young_---------------
'h a
212
Hohn Gwok 韓國ffW) Korea L.5* jaahp yauh 集郵(WJ L.5
Hohn Gwok Wa 韓國話(7WJ L.6 stamp collecting
Korean speech jaau wuhn dim 找換店(W) L.2
Hohn Man 辑文(N)(see "HohnMahn" )L.6 money exchange shop
jai 仔(N) son L.12
Hohn Mahn 韓文(7VJ Korean language L.6
jak bin 惻邊(JV) beside; by the side of L.9
Hohn yemh 韓裔(TV) Korean descent L.5
Jak Yuh Chung 规j魚满(7W；) L.14
h6u 好(Adj) good; well; fine; okay U.l
a MTR station: Quarry Bay
hou 好(Adv) very L.7
Jam Wui Daaih Hohk 浸會大學f/WJ L.l*
hou aak 好0厄(S£) fine, okay L.3 Hojir Kon^ Baptist University
hou do好多(Nu) a lot; many; much L.13 jan haih 真係(VWvj really; indeed L.12
hou hou 好好(Ph) very good U.2 jan jyu gai 珍珠雞(W) lotus leaf L.12
hou hou sihk 好好食(Ph) L.10 wrapped sticky rice with chicken
delicious; very tasty Jang Yam-Kyuhn f 给權(PN) L.l
hou la 好啦(SE) okay; fine [used to L.13 Donald Yam-Kuen Tsang, the Chief
Executive of HKSAR, 2006
express agreement]
Jau 局(PN) a Chinese surname: Chau, L.l
Hou Laahp Hak 好立克(7W) L.ll
Chow
hou mh hou a 好嗜好呀(5^) Ay that L.12
jau muht 周末(TV) weekend L.8
good? Is it okay? [attached at the end of
o suf>êstion or request]
jau wiih 周圍(7W around; surroundings L.9
hou noih 奸耐(N) long time L.15 jau 走從ve L.6
hou sihk 好食(Adj) good to eat; tasty L.10 jau 酒(WJ wine; alcoholic beverage U.2
hou sm 好少rarely; seldom L.7 jau dim 酒店(N) hotel L.3
hou waan 好沉(Adj)fun, interesting L.ll jau lauh 酒後(N) Chinese restaurant L.l
hou yam 好飲(Ac/j) good to drink; tasty L.ll jau long 走廊(N) corridor L.3
(for drinks) jau sm 走先(Ph) leave first L.13
hou yahn 奸尺(Adj} kind; nice person L.ll jauh 就(/WW [tells the result and signifys L.15
houh 號(M) number [used after a L.3 emphatic confirmation, that what is
number] stated is true]
houh 號(TV) days of the month L.8 jauh i)L(Conj) then [used in a clause to L.14
(1st day to 31st day) indicate the consequence or result of an
hot 渴(Adj) thirsty U.l action]
jauh dak laak 就得嘲(SE) then it will L.14
Hung Ngh Leih 匈牙利(PN) Hungary L.5*
L.12 be fine
huhng chah k■茶(N) black tea:
a fully-fermented tea and its infusion has je。者(Pa") fa modal particle meaning L.6
a bright reddish colour •only or Just1 to play down the extent or
huhng dau sa 紅豆沙(7VJ red bean L.12 significance of sth. /
sweet soup je je 借借(Ph) let me go through U.2
Huhng Ham 紅谢(7W) Hung Horn [a L.2 jeh je 姐姐(Wj elder sister L.5
major district in Kowloon] jek 隻(M) fa general measure word for U.2
huhng sik 紅色(WJ red colour L.13 most animals]
參.7 jeng 正(Adj) excellent, exact L.ll
ja che 揸車(Wj drive (a vehicle) L.6 jeui 最the most L.8
Ja Da Ngahn Hohng 渣打銀行WJ L.15 Jeung 張(PN) a Chinese surname: L.l
Standard Chartered Bank Cheung, Chan只
ja jah 喳喳(WJ L.12 jeung 張(M) [a measure wordfor paper; U.2
mixed beans sweet soup with taro __ card; objects with a flat surface, such as
ja 炸(Y)*印/ry L12 chairs, tables or beds]
ja wahn tan 炸雲吞(WJ deep fried 」2 Jeung Gwan Ou 將軍澳(7WJ L.14
wnninn served with sweet and sour sauce _ 3 MTR station: Tseun^ Kwan D
jaai # (N) vegetarian food _1」2 jeuhng 像(N) statue "
L.15
iaai fe ^(N) black coffee 1」1 Ji mM) [a measure word for objects thai |U.2
iaahm站㈧伽"肌W印 i ..9 are cylindrical, rigid, long and thin, e p
jaahp maht f6ng 雜物房1..3 pencils, cigarettes, etc J 6*
store room___________ _____________

J1 û( v) [snortjorm of ''jj dou*')
L.9
jl dou 知道(V)如 know about L.9 jou 早Mrfy) early U.l
ji mah wu 芝蔴糊(WJ black sesame L.12 jou chaan ^■笔：(N) breakfast L.9
sweet soup jou sahn + KSE) good morning L.9
Ji 紙^N) paper U.2 jou tau 早抖(SE) good n丨g/ir U.2
ji baih 氣繁(N) banknotes L.4 jouh 做⑺ do; work; engage in L.8
)\ muih 姐妹 L.ll jouh gung fo做功課(VO) do L.9
fi sik 紫色(N) purple L.13 homework
ji i(Prep) until; to L.8 jouh mat yeh 做*也 what? [a L.8
Ji Deih Gwong Cheuhng 置地廣場 L.14 phrase for asking what kind of activity or
(PN) Landmark [an office and action is happening]
shopping mall with many prestige jouh sih 做事work L.8
international brands in Central, HK] jouh wahn duhng 做運動(VOJ L.8
Ji Leih 智利(PN) Chile L.5* do physical exercise
jih duhng 色 ifj(Adj) automatic L.9 jouh yeh 做0JffWj work L.5
jih duhng gwaih yuhn gei 自動櫃員 L.9 juk 粥⑼ rice congee; rice porridge L.10
機(TV) ATM (Automatic Teller Machine); juk kei 捉棋p/町 L.5
cash machine Jung Dung 今 A(PN) Middle East L.2
jik haih 即係fV9 fee; namely; it means… L.ll jing g&an 中間(N) in the middle of; L.9
jihk haahng 直行(P/i) walk straight L.15 centre
on/ahead Jung Gwok choi 廣東菜fAÎ L.12
Jim Dung 尖東(7WJ Tsim Sha Tsui East L.2 Chinese cuisine
[a major district in Kowloon] Jung Gwok 中 M(PN) China L.2
Jim Sa Jeui 尖沙。且(7WJ Tsim Sha Tsui L.2 Jung Gwok daaih luhk 中國大陸 L.2
la major district in Kowloon] (PN) the Chinese mainland; mainland
jin seung daan 煎雙蛋 L.10 China
double sunny side up Jung Gwok Ngahn Hohng + 國銀行 L.15
jing 秦(V) steam L.12 (PN) Bank of China (Honf>kon^)
jing fu bouh muhn 政府部門 L.7 Jung Gwok pahng yauh 中國朋友 L.7
government departments (N) a Chinese friend
jmg ngh 正午(TV) noon U.2 Jung Gwok yam ngohk 中國音樂(TV) L.5
Chinese music
jihng 静(Adj) quiet L.11
jung hohk 今學（N) secondary school L.3
jihng haib 淨係f/Wvj only L.4
jing mah 午碼(N) medium size L.13
jip doih ynhn 接待員(WJ receptionist p.51
Jung Mahn Daaih Hohk 中文大學 L.l*
jit 折(JV) discount [the number before L.13
(PN) The Chinese University of Hong
indicates the fraction to be paid in tenths]
Kong
jiu t》uh j6u 執頭早(N) in the morning U.2 Jung Man 中文(N) (see “JiingMhhn”) L.6
Jit Hak 捷克(7WJ Czech Republic L.5*
Jung Mahn ^ 艾(N) Chinese language L.6
jo吃(Part) [an aspect particle used after L.12 Jung Mfeih Jiu 中美洲(7W) L.2
a verb, indicating completed action
Middle America
whether in the past, present or future]
jung ngh 中午(N) noon U.2
Jo D6un 佐 $t(PN)a MTR station: L.14
Jung sik 中式(W) Chinese style L.10
Jordan
Jung sik beng sihk 中式餅食(N) L.13
jo mihn 支面(N) the lefi side L.9
Chinese assorted cakes
joi 再f/WW again; once more L.15
Jung sik fuhk jong 中式服裝(7VJ L.13
01 gin 再跑(SE) goodbye; see you L.6
Chinese clothing
\(aâin) Jung sik sihk geuxh 中式食具(TV) L.13
Ijoi hah go sing keih 再下個星期(产/U L.8
Chinese tableware
\the week after next ---------------- Jung Waahn 中環(PN) Central L.2
Ijoi hah go yuht 再下個月 L.8
[a major district in HK Island]
\the month after next-------------------- jing yi 中醫(WJ doctor of Chinese L.7
Ijoi seuhng go sing keih 再上個星期 L.8
medicine
\(Ph) the week before last_________________ jiing yi 中急/鐘您(V) to like, be fond of L.7
^..8
jung 後(N) glutinous rice dumpling L.10
\the month before las-- -------------------- - L
2J4
jimg hong 邀行(N} headquarters L.14 laahm che jaahm 规車站 L.14
jung jaahm 總站f^V) terminus; terminal L.14 peak tram station; cable car station
station laahn M(Adj) lazy L.ll
juhng 仲f/WW (7« addition to...) still; L.12 laahp saap fohng 垃圾房(VW L.3
also [implies extra emphasis or surprise] garbage room
jyu cheuhng fan 豬腸粉(叫 r/ce L.10 laih ^(V) come (also pronounced as L.3
noodle rolls uIejhn)
jyu gu lik 知古力(N) chocolate; L.ll laih ge ^^(Part) [used at the end of L.10
chocolate drink noun predicate sentences to give an
explanation ]
jyu faahn 煮飯(VO) cook L.6
laih baai 禮拜(N) L.8
jyuh 住(V) ibe L.3
week; days of the week
jyun 轉(V) change (direction) L.15
laih baai luhk 後拜六(PN) Saturday L.8
Jyun Sehk Saan 鑽石山(PN) L.14 laih baai ngh 禮拜五(P/V) Friday L.8
a MTR station: Diamond Hill
laih baai saam 禮拜三(7W) Wednesday L.8
參咒
laih baai sei 禮拜四(/W) 77!丨们也>» L.8
kaat °~k(N) card; a short form for credit L.13 laih baai yaht 禮拜日（/WjSMnAzy L.8
card
laih baai yat 禮拜一(PN) Monday L.8
kahm yaht 琴 B(N)yesterday L.8
laih baai yih 禮拜二(PN) Tuesday L.8
kahn lihk 力(Adj) hardworking L.ll
LaihGing ^f.(PN) L.14
kahn 近(Adj) near, close U.l a MTR station: Lai Kin^
keh lau 碼後(N) balcony L.3 Laih J1 Gok 荔枝角(7WJ L.14
keuih ^(Pn) he, she, him, her U.l a MTR station: Lai Chi Kok
keuih deih 佢。地fPwJ they, them L.l lau 樓(N)JIoor L.9

keuih ge 低0&i(Ph) his, hen hers L.l lauh blng 溜冰(VO) ice-skating L.6
king dihn wa 傾電話(W)) chat on the L.8 lauh hah 樓下（N) downstairs L.9
phone lauh hohk saang 留學生 L.3
king gai 傾偈(VO)cfiat L.8 foreign student
ki uh da l 橋底(Ph) under the bridge L.14 lauh seuhng 後 Jl(N) upstairs L.9
kwai 齡(Adj) deficient [easy to get sick] U.l lauh tai 樓構(N) staircase L.3
Kwaih Fong 凑涛(PN) a MTR station: L.14 leih。黎(V) (see"Mih”) L.3
Kwai Forif> leih 货J 您(Pn) (see "neih") L.l
Kwaih HI ng 莫興(7Wj a MTR station: L.14 Leih 奪_ L.l
Kwai Hin^ a Chinese surname: Lee、Li
kwong chyuhn seui 碎泉水(WJ L.ll Leih Gung Daaih Hohk 理工大學 L.l*
mineral water (PN) The Hong Kong Polytechnic
University
• L
Leih Siu Luhng 李小龍(7W) L.l
la 啦(Parf) fa modal particle used at the L.l Bruce Lee
end of sentence with the sense of request,
Leih Ban Naahp 利賓蜗(PN) Ribena L.ll
surest ion or invitation]
L.3 lek °f](Adj) smart; capable; sharp; U.l
la °^\(Part) [a modal particle used to
clever; brilliant
emphasize a point of current relevance]
L14 leng 親(/W/) beautiful; good-looking; u.l;
laak 嘲(Part) [the emphasis form of good quality
“la”, used to indicate finality or L.13
exclamation]
leuih dim 旅店（N) hostel L.3
Laai Ding M3n 拉丁文 L.6 leuih hahng 旅行travel L.5
(see uLaai D'inR Mahn") leuih hahng 旅行(IV) traveling L.5
Laai Ding Mahn 拉丁文W în j.6 leuih mihn 裏面(N) in; inside L.9
language ------------------- leuih se 旅舍(N) hostel
L.3
laai siu taih kahm 拉小提琴(VO) …6 leuhng 兩(Nu) two
L.ll
play violin -------------------- leuhng go yuht 兩個月(Ph)
laahm sik 篆色(N) blue__________1 」3 two months
L.15
s'onon: l」4 euhng houh 兩毫—
L.4
eunng man 兩蚊(71/!)加"
,.14
euht si 律師
215
leuht si lauh 律師樓(WJ law firm L.8 mh hou yi si 唔好意思 L.6
lihk si & 之(N) history L.5 (see umh hou yi si”)
lihn yuhng baau 蓮蓉包(W) L.12 mh sai 语使(VWvj neec/ L.8
只round lotus seed buns [the negative form of “yi u”]
lihn jaahp 練習 ⑺ practice L.7 mh sai do jeh 嗜使多1^(SE) L.9
lihn jaahp 練^(N)practice L.7 You 're welcome.
U.l mh sai haak hei。吾使客氣(SEJ L.9
fthng 零(Nu) zero
Don’t mention it.
Lihng Naahm Daaih Hohk 嶺南大學 L.1*
(PN) Lin只nan University mb sai mh goi 嗜使唔該 L.9
lip ^l(N) lift, elevator L.3 (lit. no need for thanks) not at all;
you、re welcome
Lmh Gwok 察國 L.5*
mah ma 媽妈(N) mother L.4
16擁(VJ take; get; fetch L.9
mah ma del Jd^.^t(Adv) so-so L.8
16 chin 擁錢（VO) withdraw money L.9 L.l
Mah 馬(PN) a Chinese surname: Ma
loh baahk g6u 蘿葡糕、(N) L.12
mah cheuhng 馬場(N)horse racing L.9;
Chinese turnip cake
track; (PN)a MTR station: Racecourse L.14
Loh Wuh 羅湖 W) L.14
a KCR station: Lo Wu Mah Laai gou 馬拉糕(Wj A/a/ay L.12
lohk 落(V) descend; faU U.l sponge cake
L.14 Mah Loih Sai A 馬來西亞f/W) L.5*
lohk che 落車(W9)
to êt off a vehicle; alight Malaysia
L.14 Mah On Saan 馬鞍山(PN) L.14
Lohk Fu 樂t(PN)
a MTR station: Lok Fu a MTR station: Ma On Shan
mah tauh 碼頭(TV)/?/>/• L.14
Lohk Mah Jau 落馬洲(PN) L.14
\a MTR station: Lok Ma Chau maaih daan 埋單(VO) L.12
Lohng Fihng 热取(PN) a MTR station: L.14 add up the bill; pay
\ông Ping m&aih 買（VO (+ Object) buy L.13
jlouh 老(Adj) old (notyoung) L.ll maaih yeh 買0Jf(W) L.8
L.5 do shopping; buy something
louh baan 老闆(N) boss
maahn 晚(N) night(s) L.15
I6uh s*i 老師(N) teacher L.2
maahn faahn 晚飯(N) dinner L.12
louh toih 露 a (N) balcony L.3
maahn 慢slow L.ll
jlouh yahn 路/\州）passer-by p.51
maahn maan haahng U.2
luhk 六(Nu) six U.l mind your step; walk slowly
lluhk chah 綠茶(N) green tea : L.12 Maahng Ga Laai 孟加拉(7WJ L.5*
\non-fermented tea Bangladesh
[luhk dau sa 綠 green bean L.12 maau 猫(N) a cat U.l
sweet soup maih yxxk 口米郁(7ViJ 办nY/wove U.2
luhk jit 六祈(Ph) 40% off L.13 mahk peih 麥反(N) quick oat meal L.10
luhk sik 綠色(N) green L.13 Mahk Sai Go墨西哥(7W) L.5*
luhk yubt 六月(PN) June L.8 man 致(M) dollars [a measure unit for L.4
Luhng Jeng 龍井(觸 Longing tea: L.12 money]
best known as King of all ^reen teas mahn 問 U.l
mahn taih 問題(JV) question; L.4
problem; trouble
mh 语(Adv) no: not [used before a verb U.l
mat yeh ^L^f(QW) what; what kind of L.6
\or adjective indicating negation]
mat yeh che 亿呀車(QVV) what mode L.14
mh gan yiu 啥繁要(SE) never mind U.2 of transportation; what kind of vehicle
Imh goi 0吾該d) L.2 mat yeh fo也啊科(QVV) what subject? L.5
p/ease [to request sb. to do sth.j----------- _ mat yeh gung s"i 乜研公司f(2M L.8
what kind of company
Uh goi 唔該(SE) excuse me [to draw sb's L.3
mat yeh laih ga <L°ff嚷。架(Q) L.10
— usually when ojiejnquiresjthJ^ what on earth is this/that?
mh gbT^mSE)thank you [for a L.4
mat yeh meng 也0名(QM L.5
what name? how is it called?
L.13 mat yeh yahn 亿0人(QW) L.5
what people? what nationality?
maht 襪(TV) socks U.l
me yeh 0羊呀(QVV) what; what kind of L.6
216
me yeh meng 咩呀名what L.6 Naahm Meih Jau 南美洲f/W) L.2
name? how is it called? South America
Mfeih Fu 美孚(7WJ a MTR station: Mei L.14 naahm pahng yauh 男朋友(AO L.l
Foo boyfriend
Meih Gam A金(PN)U.S. Dollars L.4 Naahm Si Laai Fu 南斯拉夫 L.5*
Meih Gwok 美國(7W) United States L.5 Yoôslavia
ofAmerica naahn 難(VW/) difficult U.l
Meih Gwok yahn 美國人(7WJ L.5 Nau Sai Laahn 紐西籣(PN) New L.5*
American Zealand
Meih jihk 美籍(TV) Amer/c训 L.5 Nau Yeuk 紐约(PN) New York L.5
nationality Nau Yuhn 知:元(PN) New Zealand L.4
Meih Yuhn 美元(fW) U.S. Dollars L.4 Dollars
meih ^(Adv) not yet L.12 ne % (Part) [an interrogative particle L.6
M"ihn Dihn 統甸（PN) Burma L.5* used to form an elliptical question which
mihn 麵(TV) noodles L.10 is related to a previous question,
statement or context. /
mihn baau ^ tL(N) bread L.10
Neih Pok Yih 尼泊爾(PW) Nepal LA
m、ihng 明(V) understand U.2
Neih Yaht Leih A 尼日利亞(P/V) ( L.5*
mihng seun pin 明信片(WJ L.13
Nigeria
postcards
neih i^(Pn) you (alsopronounced as U.l
mi t sih(7Vj Miss L.l
it/ei/)n)
mTiuh 秒(N) second U.2
neih deih 你她(Pn) you - plural L.l
miuh jung tyit(Suff) second(s) (of time L.15
neih ge ^^L(Ph) your, yours L.l
duration)
neih gwai sing a 你貴姓呀 Whais L.6
mong gwo bou din 芒果布甸(N) L.12
your surname?
mango pudding
neih hou 你好(SE) (lii. you good) L.l
mohng ^(Adj) busy L.8
Hello, Hi, Good day.
mou 帽(WJ hats U.l
neih hou ma 你好嗎//cw U.2
mouh ^(V) have not, not to have [the L.4
neih ji mh ji …你知。吾知•••？ L.14
negative form of “yauh”]
Do you know...?
mouh mahn tkih 冇問題⑽ L.4
neih ne 你呢 L.6
problem; no questions
about you?
muhn 悶(VW/) boring; dull U.1
neui 女(N) daughter L.12
muhn hSu 門口 (TV) doorway; L.I5
neuih pahng yauh 女朋友(N) L.4
entrance
girlfriend
muih mui 蛛蛛(N) younger sister L.5
Ngh 吴f/W) a Chinese surname: Ng, Wu L.l
muih yaht 每曰(T/2j everyday L.14
ngh KNu) five U.l
• %
ngh baak man 五百玫(Ph) five hundred L.4
nah ^(Intj) Here it is! [an indicator of L.4 dollars
things within a close proximity] ngh houh 五毫f/VzJ fifty cents L.4
naaih 奶(N) milk L.ll
ngh jit 五折(Ph) 50% off L.13
naaih chah 奶茶(N) milk tea L.ll
ngh man five dollars L.4
naaih wohng baau 奶皇包fW L.12
ngh sahp man 五^十故(Ph) fifty dollars L.4
sweet cream buns
ngh yeh 午夜JN) midnight U.2
naahm 南(N) south L.15
ngh yuht 五月(7WJ May L.8
Naahm Cheung 南昌(PN) a MTR L.14
ngaam。若(Adj) correct L.ll
station: Nam Cheong
L.4 ngaan jau 晏畫(N) afternoon U.2
Naahm Fei 南非(PN) South Africa
L.5* ngaahn sik 顏色(N) colour L.13
Naahm Gihk 南極(PN> Antarctic
Naahm Hohn 南韓(PN} South Korea L.4 ngaahn geng 眼鏡(TV) eyeglasses L.13
L.4 ngaahn leuih 眼淚(TV) tears lu.i
Naahm Hohn Waahn 南韓園(7WJ
ngaahng baih 硬幣f/V)coh
.^nuth Korean Won L.4
Naahm Hohn Yuhn 南韓• L.4 ngax 矮M初(see "ai")
L.ll
South Korean Won________ __________ nghh him 危險(Adj) dangerous L.ll |
217
ngaih seuht 藝術 L.5 on chyuhn 安全(Adj) safe L.ll
ngahn hohng 銀行(TV) bank L.2 Ou Deih Leih 奧地利 L.5*
ngahn hohng cheut naahp yuhn L.7 Ou Jau 澳洲(PN) Aitstralia L.2
銀行出納員 Ou Mun 滇門(7WJ (see "Ou Muhn") L.9
ngahn sik 銀色(N} silver L.13 Ou Muhn 澳門(7W)Macaw L.9
ngauh laahm +味(N) beef brisket U.l Ou Muhn Dahk Biht Hahng Jing U.l
ngauh naaih 年奶(N) milk L.ll Keui澳門特別行政區(PW)
ngauh paak yihp 牛栢葉(TV) L.12 Special Administrative Region of Macau
beef stomach Ou Wahn 奧運(7W) a MTR station : L.14
Olympic
Ngauh Tauh Gok 牛頭角(TW) L.14
Ou Yuhn 浪元(PN} Australian Dollars L.4
a MTR station: Nâu Tau Kok
ngauh yuhk kauh 牛肉球(TV) L.12 • (P
beef meatballs paaih gwat 排骨(7VJ spare ribs L.12
Ngoh Loh Si 俄羅斯(P/V)尺ussfa L.4 paaih ji 牌+(N) a brand; a brand L.13
ngoh 我(T5/^ /,. me U.l name; a trademark
ngoh deih 我we, “5 L.2 paau bouh 跑步fVOJ running; jogging L.6
Paau Toih Saan 炮台 \h(PN} a MTR L.14
ngoh ge 我0SUPh) my; mine L.l
station: Fortress Hill
ngoh Hi(Adj) hungry L.11
pahng yauh HR iJN)friend U.7
ngoi 愛(V)(see “oi”) U.l
pehng 年(Adj) cheap U.l
ngoih gwok wa 外國話(7VJ L.6 L.13
pehng di la 平咐啦
foreign language
please!
ngoih mihn 外面(N) outside L_9 L.10
peih daan 反蛋(N) century egg:
m deui haaih 呢對鞋(Ph) L.10 a special type of presented e狀
this pair of shoes peih daan sau yuhk juk 皮蛋瘦肉 L.10
ni di 呢°^)(Pn) this; rhese L.10 î(Ph) congee with century egg and
ni douh 呢度(Pn) here L.2 lean pork
n"i go呢個(Pn) Ms one L.10 peih geuih 反美(N} leather goods L.13
m go sing keih 呢個星期(TV) L.8 pohng b~in 旁邊f/V) L.9
this week beside; by the side of
ni go yuht 呢個月（N) this month L.8 Pou Lfci 普 >•耳(7W) Pu’er tea: L.12
m gihn saam 呢件衫(Ph) L.10 black tea, fully fermented and oxidized
this piece of clothing; this clothes tea (also pronounced asilBou LeT)
mk jau 握走(V) take away; uto go” L.ll Pou Tung Wa 普通話(PN) (lit. common U.l
nihn KM> year; yearns) L.8 speech) Mandarin/ Potunghua [the
[of time duration] modern Chinese language]
ning jau 柃走take away, “to go” L.ll Pouh Touh Ngih 葡萄牙（PN) Portugal L.4
mng chah 得茶lemon tea L.11 • s
mng chat 檸七(N) 7 “p with lemon L.ll Sa Tihn 沙田(TWJa MTR station: Shatin L.14
mng lohk 轉樂(N) coke with lemon L.ll Sa Tihn Waih 沙田 Si(PN) L.14
(also pronounced as tlling lohk”) a MTR station: Shatin Wai
ni ng maht 檸蜜(Wj honey lemonade . L.ll siai si 晒士(TV) size L.13
ning seui 務木(N) lemonade L.ll saam 三(Nu) three U.l
nailing mGng chah 檸檬茶(W>) L.11 saam 衫(N) clothes; clothing; garments U.l
lemon tea (also chah,r) saam dim bun 三點半(7^0 U.l
nihng mung seui 择樣水(N) L.11 half-past three
lemonade (also as “nlng seui ) saam mahn jih 三艾治(N} sandwich L.10
Noh Wai 挪 A(PN) Norway L.5* saam mhn 三年(Ph) three years L.15
noh maib gai 儒米雞(N) lotus leaf L.12 saam yuht 三月(WJ March L.8
wrapped sticky rice with chicken saan \h(N) mountain U.l
參 o saan deng laahm che 山頂境車(TV) L.14
U.l peak tram
6酬IV) diarrhea
01 贪
0 Wah Tihn 阿華田（PN) Uvaitine
‘叩昨.'
L.ll
IT 1
saan ngan 散銀(7Vja?//w
saan bouh 散步(W) stroll
L.4
L.8
218
s&ang 生(VW/) raw, uncooked U.l sau taih dihn wa 手提電話 L.4
Saau Gei Wian 筲箕灣(7W) L.14 mobile phone
a MTR station: Shau Kei Wan Sau 痩 thin (in contrast to fat) L.11
sai 西(N) west L.15 sau yuhk 瘦肉(TV) lean pork; lean meat L.IO
Sii Baan Ngah 西班牙(PN) Spain L.4 sauh fo yihn 售貨 salesperson p.51
Sai Baan Ngah Man 西班牙文ffW) L.6 Sauh 壽眉(PN) Shou-mei tea: L12
(see ltSai Baan Ngah Mahn1') a popular li^ht-fermented tea
se 寫(V9 write L.15
Sai Baan Ngah Mahn 西班牙文(TV) L.6
Spanish language SehkGip Miib 石咴尾(PN} L.14
a MTR station: Shek Kip Mei
Sai Baan Ngah Wa 西班牙話(N) L.6
Spanish speech SehkMihn 石門(P/V) 」4
a MTR station: Shek Mun
sai do si 西多士(TV)French toast L.10
sei \3(Nu)four J.l
sai leih 厚利(Adj) serious; excellent L.ll
sei yuht 四月（PN) April ! j.8
sai maih louh 西米露(TV)如供//i L.12
seui 衰(VW/) bad; wicked, evil minded : 」1
coconut milk
seui 歲JM) years old 一.5
sai s'lk 西式(TV) Western style L.10
Seuih iXin 瑞典(PN) Sweden
Sai Tit Sin 西鐵殘(/W) West Rail Line L.14
seuih douh 随道」4
Sai Waan Ho西灣河(PN) a MTR L.14
semh fbng 睡廣(N) bedroom L.3
station: Sai Wan Ho
L.2 Seuih Sih 瑞士(PN) Switzerland L.4
sai sau gaan 洗手間(TV)
washroom Seuih Sih Faat Lohng 瑞士法郎(/W) L.4
L.3 Swiss Francs
sai yi fohng 洗衣疡(N) laundry
seun 信(N) a letter U.l
room
seun yuhng kaat 信用咭(TV) L.4
sai 細(Adj) small U.l
credit card
sai mah im爲(N) small size L.13 L.3
seung yahn fong 雙人房fAQ
sam 心(N) a heart U.l double room; room for two
Sam Jan 深圳(PN) Shenzhen L.14 seung 想want to; would like to L.3
(do somethin只)
sam leih hohk 心it學(N)psychology L.5
seung gei 相機(N) camera L.I3
Sam Seui Bou 深水時(PN) a MTR L.14
seung yiu 想要(Ph) to want to have L.3
station: Shum Shui Po (something)
san 新(Adj) new U.l seuhng mohng 上網(VO) L.5
san fu 今杳(Adj) hard; tough L.11 to surf on the Internet
San Ga Bo斯加灰(PN) Singapore L.4 seuhng tohng 上堂attend class L.8
San Ga Bo Yuhn 新加坡元(7WJ L.4 seuhng go sing keih 上個星期(7VJ L.8
Singapore Dollars last week
san lcih ge 新嘴电(Ph) (lit. newly L.3 seuhng go yuht 上個月(N”asf month L.8
come) just arrived; newcomer Seuhng Hoi Wa 上海話(PN) L.6
U.2 Shan^haiese dialect
San lsfihn 新年(PN}New Year
seuhng jau 上畫(N) A.M. U.2
San Sai Laahn 新西浼(PN) New L.5*
seuhng mihn 上面(N) above; on-top L.9
Zealand
san yeh 新0new stuff L.ll seuhng ngh 上午 U.2
L.5 Seuhng Seui 上水(7WJ L.14
sang maht t 物(N) biology a MTR station: Sheim只 Shui
sahp 十(Nu) ten U.l
Seuhng Waahn 上環(7WJ L.2
sahp man 十故(Ph”en dollars L.4 a MTR station: SheunR Wan
sahp yat yuht 十一月(PN) L.8 si 屍 fA9 corpse U.l
November si 師(N) master U.l
sahp yih yuht 十二月(户州 L.8 si 诗(N) poem U.l
December si g 石1 司機(TV) driver; vehicle operator L.3
sahp yuht 十月 _ October L.8 (by profession)
nf,an vuhn 收銀員(N)cas/iier p.51 si )\獅子f/Vj"⑽
L.15
sau biu 牛錶(N) watches L.13 S^Touh S]洗謂 a Chinese surname:
L.1
sau gung ngaih ban 手工藝品W L.13
si 决'(N) feces
handicrafts --------------------- U.l
L.13 si 史(N) history ------
sllc 首铣(N)jeweUery
219
Si ((PN) a Chinese surname: Si L.6 siu siu 少 ^(Nu)a few; a little L.6
si 欲(V) kill U.l Siuh Hong 兆康(P/V) L.14
si 試 U.l a MTR station: Siu Hon只
si hah 試0下have a try L.10 so sih 鎮起(N) key L.3

sih 時(AO time U.l so sih kauh key holders L.13
sih 故(N) key U.l so yi h 所以(Conj) therefore L.14
s'lh sih 時時(VWv) always; often L.7 soh 傻silly L.ll
sih 市(TV) market; city U.l Sou Gaak Lahn 蘇格蘭(7WJ Scotland L.5
sih cheuhng hohk 市場學(TV) L.5 suk se 宿舍(TV) hostel; dormitory; living L.3
marketing quarters (also pronounced as Usuk
seh”)
sih 事(TV) matter U.l
suk seh 宿舍(N)(see Usuk sehn) L.3
sih 視(N) vision U.l
syu 書book U.l
sih ying 侍應(TV) waiter; waitress L.7
syu dim 書店 fW) bookshop L.9
sik 識（V) know; know how to do sth.; U.l; syu f6ng 書房(W) study room L.3
have the ability to do sth. L.6
syu fuhk 舒服(VW/) 办/e L.ll
sihk ^(V) ear L.9
Syuh Yahn Daaih Hohk 樹仁大學 L.1*
sihk aan jau 食委畫(VO) have a lunch L.12 (PN) Hong Kon^ Shue Yan University
sihk yeh 食嘴(\^0) eat something L.8 syun 敗(Adj) sour U.l
sihk yin 食煙(VO) smoke L.5 syuhn 餐MN)ferry L.14
sin ^L(Adv) first; in advance L.12 Syut BIk 雪碧(PN) Sprite L.ll
sin juk gyun 鮮竹卷(WJ steamed bean L.12 • -r
curd rolls taai K(Adv) too; excessively L.13
sin naaih 鮮奶(W)fresh milk L.ll Taai Gu 火古(PN) a MTR station: L.14
sin saang 先t(N) Mr.; sir L.l Tai Koo
sin saang husband L.5 Taai Gw ok 泰國(fW) Thailand L.5

sing gong gei 升降機：(N) lift, elevator L.3 Taai Ji a MTR station: L.14
Prince Edward
Sing Jin Ngahn Hohng 星屐銀行 L.15 L.4
Taai Jyu 泰銖(7W) Thai Baht
(PN) DBS Bank Limited
Taai Man 泰文從 uTaaiMahn^) L.6
sing keih 星期(7W) week; day of a week L.8
Taai Mahn 秦文(PN) Thai language L.6
(Mon.-Sat.)
taai taai 太太 L.1
s~ing keih luhk 星期六(7W) L.8
Saturday taai taai 太太(7VJ wife L.5
Taai Woh 太和(7W) L.14
sing keih ngh 五(PN) Friday L.8
a MTR station: Tai Wo
s_mg keih saam 1 期三(P/V) L.8
taam pahng yauh 探朋友(VOj L.8
Wednesday
visit a friend
smg keih sei 星期四(7W) L.8 L.6
taahn kahm 弹冬(VO) play piano
Thursday
tai 綠(V) see; look; watch; read L.13
sing keih yat 1期一(PN) Monday L.8
tai bou ji 目弟報紙read newspaper L.8
s~ing keih yaht 星期日(PN) Sunday L.8
tai dihn sih 睹電視(TO) watch TV L.15
slug keih yih 星期二f/W) Tuesday . L.8
tai hei 梯戲fW) watchmovies L.5
si ng 妓(N) a surname U.l
tai syu 碟畫(VO) read books L.5
sing i±(V) be surnamed L.6
tek bo踢波(VO) play soccer L.8
Sing Daan Jit 髮說節(TN) Christmas U.2
tek juk kkuh 踢足球fWJ L.6
ffihng Sih Daaih Hohk 成市大學(P/V) L.1* play soccer!football
City University of Hon只 Kong teng 聽(V) hear; listen L.5
si u fohng guk 消柄M](N) fire station L.9
teng yam ngohk 聽音樂fWJ L.5
slu fohng yuhn 消 f方氨(N) fireman L.7 listen to music
siu maai pork dumplings. L.12 ti seutTik(N)Tshirt L.13

siu ^(Adj) few; a little U.l tlm 添(Part) [a sentence particle, L.12
accompanying the adverb “juhng、、to
si u ba 小巴(N) minibus; public light bus L.14
emphasize the idea of ‘addition’】
si u ba jaahm 小巴站(WJ L.14
tihm ban 甜品（N) dessen L.12
minibus station
Tin Hauh 天后(/W) L.14
siu je 小姐(Wj Miss, young lady L.l
a MTR station: Tin Hau
220
Tin Sing Mah Tauh 天星碼頭(/W) L.14 wai 也(M) [a measure wordfor a person L.7
Star Ferry Pier and a way to show respect]
wai °長(Intj) hello; hey L.12
ting yaht 聽日(W) tomorrow L.8
wahn tan 雲吞(7VJ won fort L.10
t'lhng 停fVjwop U.2
wahn tan mihn 雲吞麵(W) wonton L.10
tihng che 停車(P/i) fo stop (like a car, L.3
noodles
a train) L.8
wo 0尚(Part) fa final particle used to
tihng che cheuhng 停車場(N) L.2; indicate surprise, discovery or
carpark L.13 realization]
tiuh 條(M) fa measure word for street or•L.15 Wohng Daaih Sin 黃大仙(7W) L.14
things with a lon^ shape] a MTR station: Won^ Tai Sin
T'luh Glng Li hng 調景嶺(/WJ L.14 Wohng Jing Jing 王晶晶(7W) L.1
a Chinese name: Jing-Jing Wong
ci MTR station: Tm Kenf> Leng
Tit Gun Yam 鐵觀音Tie-guan-yin L.12 wohng slk 景色(N)yellow L.13
tea: a type of Oolong tea W6hng 黃/ 玉(PN) a Chinese surname: L.l
Won^
tiu mouh 眺舞(VO)dance L.5
Wohng Gok 旺苒(PN) Mong Kok: L.2
Toih Waan 台灣(PN) Taiwan LA a major district in Kowloon
tong yun 湯 Si (N) sweet dumpling in L.12 Wohng Gok Diing 旺角東(7W) L.14
a MTR station: Mon^ Kok East
soup
L.11 Wu Kai Sa 烏溪沙f/W) L.14
tohng 糖(TV) sugar
a MTR station: Wu Kai Sha
Tohng Wa 唐話(7W) Tang speech U.l
Wu Lung chah 良龍茶(PN) L.12
Tou Vih Keih 土耳其(7W) Turkey L.5* Oolong tea: a semi-fermented tea
touh syu gun 圖書館(/V)丨ibrary L.3 wuh 壺(WJ teapot; a pot L.12
touh ngoh 肚俄(Ac/j) /wngry L.10 wuh 备(M) a pot of L.12
tung 痛(Adj) painful; sore U.l wuh gok 竿角(W) taro dumplings L.12
tuhng 同(C0/7力 am/ L.4 wuh jiu 隻码、(N)passport L.4
tuhng 同(Prep) with L.7 wuh sih 護士(N) nurse L.7
Tuhng Loh Waan 銅M灣(P/V) L.2 wuih 會(/4V9 would; will [stresses the ' L.15
Causeway Bay [major district in HK possibility or likelihood of such an event]
Island] (also pronounced as u Tuhng Wuih Fung Ngahn Hohng L14
Loh Waahn,f) 匯豐銀行(而)HSBC [the Hongkong and
Shanghai Banking Corporation]
tuhng sih 同事(N) colleague L.5
wuib gai hohk 會計學(JV) L.5
• V
accountancy
uk 屋(TV) house U.l wuih gai si 會計師(N) accountant L.7
uk kei 展佥(N) home L.14 Wn 蘇(N) a bowl 二. U.l
uk kei ge dihn wa 屋企°6t電話(尸/i) L.14 wun ^l(M) a bowl of [a measure for the U.2
home telephone no. quantity of something that a bowl will
uk kei yahn 尾企尺(N)family;family L.3 hold]
members wuhn i^(V) change; exchange; L.4

convert (currency)
• w
L.13 •
wa。華(fntj) [express surprise or wonder]
Wow! yaai daan che 踩單車(VO) eye//叫 L.6
Wah kmh 華僑(N) overseas Chinese L.5 yaih î(Adj) naughty L.U
Wah yeuih 華备(N) Chinese descent; L.5 yam ngohk 音樂(TV)/w/u/c L.5
Chinese origin _ yam 飲(V) drink L.ll
wah 話 L.14 yam chah 飲茶(W) have some tea L.3
waaih 壞 M初 bad; out of order U.l yam chah 飲茶(YOH价• fo drink tea) L.8
waahk je &者(Ccmj) or (either one can L.12 RO to restaurant for dim-sum
do) fused in a statement, not for question] yam jau 飲酒(VO) have a alcohol drink L.12
waan corner L.15 yam yeh 飲嘢fVOJ have a drink L.12
Waan Jai 灣仔(Wj 州仰 C/w/: L.2 Yan Ou 收澳(PN) a MTR station;
Sunny Bay
L.14
a major district in HK lsland_------------------
waaht lohng fung faahn ;背浪；致帆一 6 Yan Douh 印改(PN) India L.5*
(VO) windsurfing----------------------- Yan Ne丨h ^ JL(PN) Indonesia
.6 L.5*
waaht synf；f^(VO)ski j
yahn 尺(N) people: Derxnn

L.5
22 i
Yahn Mahn Baih 人民幣(/W) L.4 yauh 右(N) the right side; L.15
Chinese Yuan; Renminbi the right-hand side
yahp hau 入口 (TV) entrance L.2 yauh mihn 右面(TV) the right side L.9
yahp heui 入去(Pk) enter; go inside L.15 yeh maahn 夜晚(TVj /n the evening; U.2
yahp leih 入嚷(Ph) come in L.3 night
yahp mihn 入面(TV) inside; in L.9 yeuhk fohng 藥庚（N) pharmacy L.9
yat 一(Nu) one U.l yl hohk 醫學 L.5
yat baak man 一百蚊(TVj) L.4 Yi Laai Hak 伊拉先(PN) Iraq L.5*
one hundred dollars Yi Lohng 伊朗(PN) Iran L.5*
yat chaih 一齊(VWv) L.7 yi sang ^ i.(N) medical doctor L.7
(do something) together
yi yun 酱 f完(N) hospital L.7
yat chi 一二k(Nu) once U.2
Yi Daaih Leih 意大利(PN) Italy L.5
yat chin man 一千«7^0 L.4
yih ga 而家f/VJmnv L.2
one thousand dollars
Yih Sik Liht 以色列(PN) Israel L.5*
yat dl 一响（Nu) some L.4
(can be shortened as “dV*、 yih 二(Nu) two U.l
yat go jung tauh 一彳固i童頭(TVi) L.15 yih 易(VU/力 U.l
one hour yih lau 二後(Ph) second floor L.9
yat go mah 一個碼(T5⑴加e s/ze L.13 yih sahp man 二十蚊(7V0 L.4
L.ll
yat guhng 一共(VU/vJ total, altogether twenty dollars
yat houh —毫ten cents L.4 yih yuht 二月(PN) February L.8
yat jahn 一陣(/V) a little while L.11 yin ycung %%(PN)yuanyuang [a L.ll
mixture or HK style milk tea and coffee]
yat jahn gm —陣見/arer U.2
L.4 yin yuhk 煙肉(N) bacon L.10
yat man 一故(Ph) one dollar
L.8 yi hn hauh 然後(Conj) afterwards L.15
yat yuht —月(PN) January
U.2 Ying Bohng 英錄(7W) British Pounds L.4
yaht B(N) day; sun
Sterling
Yaht Bun 曰冬(PN) Japan L.5*
Ying Gaak Laahn 英格蘭(7W) L.5*
Yaht Bun Wa 0 本話 _ L.6 England
Japanese speech
Ying Gwok 英國(尸/Vj United Kingdom L.6
Yaht jihk Q 籍(N) Japanese nationality L.5
Ying Gwok yihn 英國 J\4PN) L.6
Yaht Man a 艾(PN) (see - YahtM'ahn，， j L.6
British
Yaht Mahn B 艾(PN) Japanese L.6 Ying jihk Yan Douh yahn 英籍印度 L.5
language . 人(尸/i) British Indian
Yaht Yuhn Q 元(PN) Japanese Yen L.4
Ying Man 矣艾(PN) (see “YuigMhhn”) L.6
yauh 由（Prep) from (a starting point) L.6
Ying Mahn 英文(7W) English language L.5
yauh guk 势post office L.9
ying seung 彩相(VO) take photographs L.5
yauh ja gwki 油炸兔(N) fried bread L.10
ying yam hei choih 景J音器材 L.13
stick (Ph) audio & visual gadgets
yiuh Jim d6油占多(N) butter & L.10 U.l
yiht 兔(Adj) hot(in temperature)
jam on toast
yiu 要64V9 have to; need to L.6
Yauh Mah Dei 油祕(PN)aMTR L.2
yiu 要want, would like (something) L.3
station: Yau Ma Tei
L.6 yuhk 肉（N) meat L.12
yauh seui 游水
L.14 yuhk hei 玉器(N)jade L.13
Yauh Tohng 油塘(PN)a MTR station:
Yau Tong yuhk sat 浴％(N) bathroom L.3
yauh tiu 油條(WJ fried bread stick L.10 Yuhn Lohng 元朗(PN)Yuen Long L.14
yauh 有(TJ have;possess L.4 yuhn 迄(Adj)far L.ll
yauh lohk 有落(SE) stop to get off (the L.14 yuhng yih 容易（Ac(/) easy L.ll
vehicle); / want to êt off yuht 月(N) moon; months of the year U.l;
y&uh m6uh ...a 有冇…呀 L.4 (January-December) L.8
Have you got…？ Do you have...? Yuht Naahm 越南(7W) Vietnam L.5*
yauh sam 有心(SE) thanks for asking U.2 yuht duhk sat 閱讀室(TV) ww办 L.3
yauh s、ih 有時(Adv) sometimes L.7 Yuht Yuh 粵語(W/) Yue language U.l
ySuh sih 有 KPh)be occupied (with L.6
a matter): have something to do
222
^ngCisfi - Cantonese (^Cossary
-------- ----------------------------------------- Asia (PN) A J3u 亞洲 L.2
above seuhng mihn 上面 L.9 Asia World-Expo (MTR station) L.14
accountancy (N) v/u\h gai hohk L.5 (PN)Bok Laahm Gun 博覽館
會計學 ask (V) mahn 問 U.l
accountant (N)wuih gai si 會計師 L.7 ai 喂
at (a place) (Prep) h’ L.3
⑺g各加 L.ll at (a place) (V)hk\ % L.2
add up the bill;pay fWjmaaih daan L.12 at the back (N) hauh mihn 後面 L.9
埋單
at what time (QW)gbi s'lh 幾時 L.8
address (V) ch'ing fu 稱呼 L.15 ATM W jih duhng gwaih yuhn gei L.9
Admiralty (MTR station) L.2 自動櫃員機 _
(PN) Gam Jung 金鐘
attend a meeting (VO)hoi wui 開會 L.6
Africa (PN)¥e\ Jau 非洲 L.2
attend class fVOjseuhng tohng 上堂 L.8
afternoon (N) aan jau 晏畫 U.2
attend school (VO) faan hohk 返學 L.6
afterwards (Conj) y 1 hn hauh 然後； L.15 audio & visual gadgets (Ph) y"i ng yam L.13
gan jyuh 跟住 hei choih影音器材
a細/i(VWv)joi 再 L.15
August (PN) baat yuht 八月 L.8
a供(Wj 〜seui 歲；nihn gei 年紀 L.5
Australia (PN)Ou Jau 澳洲 L.2
ahead(N)ch\ hn mi hn 前面 L.3 Australian Dollars (PN) Ou Yuhn L.4
airbus (N)ge\ cheuhng ba si L.2 澳元
機場巴士一
Austria (PN) Ou Deih Leih 奧地利 L.5*
airplane (N) fe\ gei 飛機 L.14
automatic (Aclj)ji h duhng 自動 * L.9
airport (N) gb\ cheuhng 機場 L.2 Automatic Teller Machine L.9
Airport Express (PN) gei cheuhng L.2 duhng gwaih yuhn gei 自動櫃員機
faai sin機場快線 Auyeung (Chinese surname) (PN) • . I
alcoholic beverage (TV) j&u 酒 U.2 Au Yeuhng 歐陽
alight (VO) lohk che 落車 L.14 • ®
al!(a&inchtsive) (Adv) ddu 都 L.8 Zwdrrf⑽r(7Vj hauh m6n 後門 l-.3
all (everybody) (Pn) daai h ga 大家 ..5 bacon(N) ym yuhk 煙肉 I 」0
alright; okay;fine (Adj) dik 得 1 J.l bad(Adj}v/SL2Lih^ IJ.l
fl/so (Vk/v) d6u 都 1 ..7 bad (not up to standard) (Adj) ch& 差 1
altogether (Adv) y at guhng —共 ] 」1 bad (wicked, evil minded) (Adj)sbu\ ^ ] 」1
always (Adv) s'lh si h 時時； 1 ..7 Bahrain (PN) Ba Lahm 巴林
g'ing seuhng 經常
baked (V) guhk 调 L.12
A.M. (N) seuhng jau 上畫; U.2 \balcony (N) keh lau 騎樓；
L.3
seuhng ngh 上午 louh toih 露台
amah (N) gung yahn 工人 L.7 Bangladesh (PN) Maahng Ga Laai L.5*
American (PN) Meih Gw ok yahn L.5 盂加拉
美國人 "
bank (N) ngahn hohng 銀行 L.2
American nationality (N) Meih jihk L.5 Bank of China (PN) Jung Gwok L.15
美籍
Ngahn H6hng中國銀行
American ofAfrican descent (Ph) L.5 Bank of Communications (PN) L.15
Fei yeuih Meih Gwok yahn Gaau Tung Ngahn Hohng 交通娘行
非裔美國人 Bank of East Asia (PN) L.15
and (Conj) tiihng 同 L.4 Dung A Ngahn Hohng 東亞銀行
And you? (SE) neih n&?你呢？ L.6 banknotes (N)]\ baih 纸幣 L.4
Antarctic f PNj N a a h m Gihk 南極 L.5* barbecue pork buns (N) L.12
April (PN) sei yuht 四月 L.8 cha siu baau 叉燒包
L.5
barbecue pork pastries (N) L.12
architecture fA/jgi n juk hohk 建築學
cha siu sou叉燒穌
Arctic (PN) Bak Gihk 北極 L.5*
bath (Vj chung leuhng 沖涼 L.3
^[gentina (PN)A Gan T'lhng 阿根廷 L.5*
bathroom (N) chung leuhng fong L.3
ôund(N) jau wkih 周園 L.9 沖涼房;yuhk sat浴室
223
be (is, amt are; was, were) (V) hai h 係 L.l brothers and sisters (Ph) L.5
be (namely) (Vjjik haih 即係 L.11 hlng daih ]\ muih 兄弟姊妹
be called (known as) (V) brown (N) ga fe s"ik 咖0非色； L.13
L.10
giu jouh 叫做；giu 叫 fe si k啡色
be fond of fV^jiing yi 中意/錢意 Bruce Lee (PN) L.1
L.7
Leih Siu Luhng 李小龍
be occupied (with a matter) (Ph) L.6
yauh sih 有事 Burma (PN) MTihn Dihn 統甸 L.5*
be surnamed (V) si ng it bus fNJ ba si 巴士 L.14
L.6
bean curd dessert (N) bus stop (N)bl si jaahm 巴士站 L.14
L.12
dauh fuh fa豆腐在 business management (N) L.5
力 leng 親 U.l gung seung gun leih 工商管理
bed space apartments (N) busy (Adj) mbhng 忙 L.8
L.3
chohng wai yuh so脉位寓所 but (Conj) bat gwo不過 L.7
bedroom (N) seuih fong 睡房 L.3 butter & jam on toast (N) L.10
beef brisket fNJ ngauh laahm 牛肤 U.l y auh j_im d6油占多
beef meatballs (N) L.12 buttered pineapple(-like) bun L.10
ngauh yuhk kauh 牛肉球 (N)bo loh yauh 菠蘿油
beef stomach (N) L.12 buy (V) m3aih 買 L.13
ngauh paak yihp 牛括葉 by ferry (VO) daap syuhn 搭船 L.14
beer(N) be jau 哮酒
Belgium (PN) Bei Leih S、ih 比利時
L.3
L.5*
byMTR (VO) daap deih tit 搭地鐵
by the side of (N)
L.14
L.9
jak b'in 側邊；pohng b'in 旁邊
below (N) hah mihn 下面 L.9
beside (N) L.9 bye-bye (SE) baai baai 拜拜 L.6
jak b'in 側邊；pohng b'in 旁邊 • c
bicycle daan che 單車 L.14 cable car (N) laahm che 復車 L.14
big (Adj) daaih 大 U.l cable car station (N) L.14
bill (N) dian 單 U.l laahm che jaahm 規車站
biology f/Vj sang maht 生物 L.5 call; be called (V) giu L.l
black (TV) h 3 k s_i k 黑色 L.13 Cambodia (PN) Gaan Pouh Jaaih L.5*
東埔寨
black coffee (N)fe 齋弓卜 L.ll
camera (N) shung gei 相機 L.13
black sesame sweet soup (N) L.12
ji mah wu芝益糊 Canada (PN) Ga Nah Daaih 加拿大 L.5
black tea (N) hiihng chah 紅茶 L.12 Canadian Dollars (PN)Ga Yuhn 加元 L.4
blue (N) laahm sik 藍色 L.13 Canadian of French descent L.5
L.12 (Ph) Faat yeuih Ga Nah Daaih
boiling water (Ph) gwan seui 滾水
yahn法裔加拿大人
book (N) syii 書 U.l
Canton (PN) Gwong Dung Saang U.l*
bookshop (N)sy\x dim 書店 L.9 廣東省；Gwong Jau廣州
boot (N) heu 机 U.l Cantonese dialect (PN) Gwong Dung U.l
boring (Adj) muhn 問 U.l W》廣東話
boss (N) louh baan 老闆 L.5 Cantonese people f/Vj Gwong Dung L.7*
bowl (N/M) w Ci n 碗 L.10 yahn廣東人
boyfriend (N) nh^hm pahng yauh L.7 capable (clever; brilliant) (Adj) lek U.l
男朋友 car (N) ch& 車 U.l
brand (brand name)(N) p a a l h jl 牌子 L.13 card (N) kaat L.13
Brazil (PN)Ba Sh 巴西 L.5* carpark fNj tlhng che cheuhng L.2;
停車場 i
L.13
bread(N)mihn baau 麵包 L.10
L.9 cash machine (N)]\h duhng gwaih L.9
breakfast (N) )6u chian 早餐
yihn gh自動櫃員機
British (PN) Ying Gwo-k yahn L.6
cashier(N) siu ngan yuhn i|欠銀員 p.50
英國人
British Indian (Ph) Yingjihk ran L.5 casino (N)dbu cheuhng 賭場 L.8
Douh yahn英籍印度人 --------- cat (N) mAau 貓 U.l
British Pounds Sterling (PN); “ L.4 Causeway Bay (MTR station) L.2
Vine Bohne 英鎊；YingBong_^_ (PN)Tuhng Loh Waan 銅嫌灣；
Tuhng Loh Waahn 銅鑼灣
brothers (N)h\ng daih 凡生-------- ------- J—:-----
224
Central (MTR station) L.2 Chi-Wah Tung, the first Chief Executive L.1
(PN) Jung W》ahn + 環 of HKSAR(PN) Dung Gin Wah 董建華
century egg (N)phih daan 皮蛋 L.10 chocolate (N) jyu gu fik 朱古力 L.11
Chai Wan (MTR station) L.14 chocolate drink (N )}yu gu lik 朱古力 LAI
fPWChaaih Waan 柴灣 L.14
Choi Hung (PN) Choi Huhng 彩虹
Chan (Chinese surname) (PN) Chahn L.1
Chow (Chinese surname) (PN) Jdu 周 L.1
Chang (Chinese surname) (PN) L.1
Jeung ik Christinas (PN) Sing Daan Jit 聖誕節 U.2
change (V) jy un 轉
Chueng Sha Wan (MTR station) L.14
L.15
(PN) Cheuhng Sa Waahn 長沙灣
chat (VO) king gai 傾偈 L.8
Chui (Chinese surname) L.1
chat on the phone (VO) L.8
king dihn wa 傾電話
(TW)Chbuih 徐；Ch云ui 崔
cinema (N)he\ yun 戲院 L.9
Chau (Chinese surname) (PN) J 5 u 周 L.1
Che Rung Temple (MTR station) L.14
Citibank Hong Kong Limited(PN) L.15
(PN) Che GGng IVTiu 車公廟 Fa Keih Ngahn Hohng 花旗銀行
cheap (Adj) pbhng ^ U.l city (N) s\h s'lhng s"ih 城市 U.l
Cheaper，please! (SE) L.13 City One (MTR station) (PN) L.14
pehng di la平咐啦 Daih Yat S'lhng 第一城
Daaih Wuih Tohng
City Hall (PN) L.14
chef Wcheuih si 腐師； L.7
大會堂
chyuh si 廣師
City University of Hong Kong (PN) L.1*
chemistry (N) fa hohk 化學 L.5
S'lhng S'lh Daaih Hohk 城市大學
Chen (Chinese surname) (PN) Chahn 陣 L.1
civil servant (N) giing mouh yuhn L.1
Cheung (Chinese surname) L.1 公務員
(PN) 張 classical music (N) g\x cTin yam ngohk L.5
Chile (PN) Ji Leih 智利 L.5* 古典音樂
China (PN) Jung Gwok 中國 L.2 clear {Adj) chlng cho清楚 U.l
Chinese assorted cakes (N) L.13 clever (intelligent) (Adj) lek U.l
Jung slk beng sihk 中式餅食 chung mihng 聰明
Chinese clothing L.13 clinic (N) chan so診所 L.7
(N) Jung slk fuhk jong 中式服裝 close (Adj) kahn 近 U.l
Chinese cuisine (N) L.12 clothes (clothing) (7Vjs§am 衫 U.l
Jung Gwok choi 廣東菜 L.7
coach (N) gaau lihn 教練
Chinese descent (N) Wah yeuih 華裔 L.5 L.10
cocktail bun (N) ga\ meih baau
Chinese friend (N) L.7 鹈尾包
Jung Gwok pahng yauh 中國朋友 coffee (N)ga fe 咖啡 L.ll
Chinese language (N) L.6 coins (N) skan ngan 敎銀；乂 L.4
Jung Man 中文；Jung Mahn 中文
ngaahng baih 硬幣
Chinese mainland (PN) L.2
coke (N) ho lohk 可樂 L.ll
Jung Gwok daaih luhk 中國大陸
L.5 coke with lemon (N) ning lohk 禪樂 L.ll
Chinese music (N)
Jung Gwok yam ngohk 中國音樂 cold (Adj) dung U.l
Chinese origin Wah yeuih 華裔 L.5 colleague (N) tiihng sih 同事 L.5
Chinese restaurant fjau lauh 酒樓 L.7 college W hohk yun 學院 L.7
Chinese style fA/JJung slk 中式 L.I0 Colombia (PN) Go Leuhn Bei A L.5*
Chinese tableware L.J3 哥倫比亞
(N) lung sik si hk geuih 中式食具 colour(N)ngaahn s_ik 顏色 L.13
Chinese turnip cake L.12
come (V) leih (also ulaih，’)嚷 L.3
(TVJ l6h baahk g6u 蘿葡糕 __
Chinese University of Hong Kong (PN) LA* come home (VO) faan uk kei 返屋企 L.12
Jiine Mahn Daaih Hohk 中文大學 come in f^/zjyahp leih
L.3
Chinese Yuan; Renminbi 一 .4 (also“yahp 13ih”)入嘴
(PN) Yahn Mahn Baih 人民幣 comeoutfrom(V)chbut ij
ChingYi(PN)Ch'nRYi f 农 *」4
U.l
comfortable (Adj) sy\x fuhk 钚月B
Chiu Chow style dumplings 」2 L.U
company(N) gung si 公司
(N) chi uh iau fan rwo潮洲粉果 L.7
Chiu Chow style sweet paste bun (N) l-.12 气 wlth ^nturyegg
(Pn) pQih daan sau yuhk iuk
L.10
chiuh jau seui jlng baau
皮蛋瘦肉粥
潮洲水晶包 ______________________
225
continent fNJ daaih luhk 大陸 L.2 descend (V)\ohk ^ U.l
convenience store (N) bi hn leih dim L.9 dessert (N) tihm ban 甜品 L.12
便利店 Diamond Hill (MTR station) L.14
convenient (Adj) fong bihn 方便 L.11 (PN) iyun Sehk Saan 银石山
convert (currency) (V^wuhn 換 L.4 diarrhea (N/V)o ^ U.l
cook (chef) (N) chbuih si 窗師; L.7 U.l
chyuh s"i 廣師 dining room f f a a h n teng 飯廳 L.3
cook (VO) jyu faahn 煮飯 L.6 dinner fNj maahn faahn 晚飯 L.12
cooked rice (7VJ faahn 飯 L.12 L.I3
corner (N) waan 4if L.15 discount of 10% (N) gau jit 九折 L.13
corporation(N) gung s"i 公司 L.7 discount of 20% fP/?jbaat jit 八折 L.13
corpse (TV) s_i 屍 U.l discount of 30 %(Ph jc h a t j 11 七折 L.13
correct (Adj) aam (also “ngâm”)嗓 L.ll discount of 40 % (Ph)\uhk jit 六折 L.13
corridor(N)jkxx long 走廊 L.3 discount of 50% (Ph) ngh jit 五折 L.13
country (N) gw ok 國家 L.2 Disneyland Resort (MTR station) L.14
course (N)io ch'ihng 課程 L.1 (PN) D\hk Sih Neih 迪士尼
crazy (Adj) c h_i s i n 雜線 L.ll dive fVOjch'ihm seui 潛水 L.6
credit card (N) seun yuhng kaat L.4 do (work; engage in) fVJjouh iH L.8
信用咭 j ^
do as one pleases (Adv) cheuih bln L.13
crow (N) a 鸦；wO 3烏鸦 U.l 隨便
cup(N/M)bin 杯 L.ll do homework fVOJ jouh gung fo L.9
cycling (VO) chaai daan che 踩單車; L.6 做功課
yaai daan che 踩單車 do physical exercise fVOJ jouh wahn L.8
duhng做運動
Czech Republic (PN) Jit Hak 捷克 L.5*
do shopping (buy something) (VO) L.8
• ©
maaih yeh 買0ff
Dah Sing Bank Limited (PN) L.15
do what (SE)jouh mat yeh 做* L.8
Dah San Ngahn Hohng 大新銀行
Do you know,.. (Ph) ne\h j\ mh jl... ? L.14
dail (V) da (dihn w&)打（電話） U.2
你知唔知...？
dance (VO) tiu mouh 跳舞 L.5
doctor of Chinese medicine L.7
dangerous (Adj) nga 1 h him 危險 L.ll (WjjGngyi 中醫
daughter (TVj n b u 1 女 L.12 dog (N} gku 构 U.l
day(N)ydih\ 0 U.2 dollars (measure unit for money) (M) L.4
day after tomorrow (N) hauh yaht L.8 m^n蚊
後曰 domestic helper gung yahn X A L.7
day before yesterday (N) chi hn yaht L.8 Don’t mention it. (SE) mh sai haak hei L.9
前曰唔使客氣
day of a month (N/M) houh 號 L.8 don91move (Ph) maih yuk 咪郁 U.2
DBS Bank Limited (PN) SI ng Jl n L.15 Donald Yam-Kuen Tsang (the Chief L.1
Ngahn Hohng星屐銀行 Executive ofHKSAR, 2006) (PN) Jang
December(PN) sahp yih yuht L.8 Yam-Kyiihn 曾蔭權
十二月 doorway (entrance) (N) muhn hau L.15
deep fried wonton (N)]z wahn tan L.12 門口
炸雲吞 dormitory (N) suk se 宿舍 L.3
如⑺ja炸 L.12 double room (room for two) L.3
deficient (Adj) kwai ^ U.l (N) seung yahn fong 雙人房
delicious (Ph) hou hou sihk 好好食 L.I0 double sunny side up L.10
L.1 (Ph) ')\n seung daan 煎雙蛋
Deng Xiaoping
(PN) DahnR Slu Pihng 鄧小平 downstairs (N) lauh hah 樓下 L.9
Denmark (PN) Daan Mahk 丹麥 L.5* drink(V)y'am 飲 L.11
L.7 drive (a vehicle) (VO)]h che 揸車 L.6
department store
uN) baak fo只iin只si百貨公司 driver (N) s~\ gei 司機 L.3
Des VoeuxRoad (PN) Dak Fuh Douh L.15 dry (Adj) g6n 乾 U.l
1德輔道 —----------- —J-
226
• % factory (N) gung chong 工廠 L.7
U.l faculty (N) hohk yun 學院 L.7
east (N) diing 東 L.15 /in>/3»(VWv)g8i 幾 L.8
easy(Adj)y\h 易；yiihng y丨h 容易 U.l /W"VJIohk 落 U.l
eat (V) sihk 食 L.9 family (N)uk kei yahn 屋企人 L.3
eat here (Ph)hh douh sihk 咐、度食 L.11 Fanling (MTR station) L.14
fPNJFan Lehng 粉嶺
eat something (VO) sihk yeh 食0Jf L.8
far (Adj)yuhn L.1I
economics (N) g'ing jai 經濟 L.5
/i;rsGAd//)faai 快 U.l
education gaau yuhk 教育 L.5
fast food shop f/VJ faai chaan dim L.2
印发W d&an蛋；g3i daan雞蛋 L.ll 快餐店
egg custard tart f d a a h n taat 蛋撻 L.10 fat (Adj) ffeih 肥 L.11
Egypt (PN) Aai Kahp 埃及 L.5* father (N) bah 爸爸 L.4
eight (Nu) baat 八 U.l February (PN) y l h yuht 二月 L.8
elder brother (N) goh g6哥哥 L.5 feces (N) si % U.l
elder sister fA/j jeh je 姐姐 L.5 feel{\/)goV dak 覺得 L.I0
electronic engineering L.5 ferry (N) syiihn 船 L.14
(N) dihn ji gung chihng 電子工程 fetch ⑺ 16攞 L.9
elevator (N) s"ing gong gei 升降機; L.3 few (a little) (Nu) si u si u 少少； L.6;
lip 粒;dihn tai 電梯 (VW/J s'i u 少 U.l
embroideries (N) ch\ sau ban 刺_品 L.I3 fifty cents (Ph) ngh houh 五毫 L.4
emergency call fifty dollars (Ph) ngh sahp man 五十蚊 L.4
U.2
gau gau gau 九九九
(N14) Filipino language L.6
(PN)Fb\ Leuht Ban Wa 菲律賓話
England (PN) Y"ing Gaak Laahn L.5*
英格蘭 i fine (okay) [used to express agreement] L.13
Êjhou la 好啦；h6u aak 好呃
English language (PN) Yi ng Man L.6 fine arts (N}ngaih seuht 藝術 L.5
英文；Ylng Mahn英文 finish work at the end of the day (VO) L.I2
enter (go inside) (P/i) y ahp heui 人去 L.15 fong gung h
entrance yahp hau AD L.2 Finland (PN)Fhr\ Laahn 芬蘭 L.5*
escalator(N)d\hn tai 電梯 L.3 fire station (N) si u fohng guk L.9
Europe (PN) Au Jau 歐洲 L.2 消防局
fireman (N) si u fohng yuhn 消防員 L.7
Euros (PN) Au Loh 歐羅； L.4
firm (N) gung s"*i 公司 L.7
Au Yuhn歐元
first; in advance (Adv) si n 先 L.12
evening yeh maahn 夜晚 U.2
five (Nu) r\^h 丘 U.l
everybody (Pn) daai h 大家 L.5
five dollars (Ph) ngh man 五蚊 L4
everyday (Pn)m\x\h yaht 每曰 L.14
five hundred dollars L.4
excellent (Adj) sai 1 e 1 h 犀利 L.ll Ph) ngh baak man 五百蚊
excessively (AdvJ t a a 1 太 L13 flatter(V)gwo jeung 過獎 L.8
exchange (V) wuhn 換； L.4; floor (N) Uu 樓 L.9
(V) gaau wuhn 交換
L.5 flower (N) fi H U.l
excuse me (sorry) (SE) rnh hou yi si L.6 7oTan (MTR station)(PN)Y6 Tan 火炭 …14
唔好意思；nfih h6u yi si唔好意思
iWfowfVVgSn 跟 U.2
excuse tne [to draw sb's attention usually JJ \W⑽geuk腳 U.l
when one inquires sth.] (SE) rAh g6i0吾該
/ oreign language ^ ngoih gwok wa L.6
exit(N) cheut hau 出口」丨 .2 小國話
expensive (Adj) gwal 貴 J.l /oreign student W lauh hohk saane L.3
g學生 g
extra-large size (Ph)ga daaih mah 1」3
fork (Wj ch3叉 L.3
加大碼 ortress Hill (MTR station)
extra-small size (Ph) ga sai mah LJ3 ( PA/；Paau
L.14
Toih Saan 执台山
加細碼 ------- ------------- /<our (Nu) sei 四
pv沙to卿(W ng》ahn g&ng眼鏡 [ • 13 U.l
b
U.l
• f --------------rr-p- Jh ranee (PN)?a<U Gvvok 法5
L.5
face to (Prep) heu ng 向 b•ee(notb_ ^dTin^h^r'
L.8
227
free size (Ph)f\ saai si 厂伙晒士； L.13 good (obedient) (Adj) gwaai sjk L.ll
yat go mah 一個碼 good (well) (Adj) h6u 好 U.l
French language Faat Man 法文； L.6 good day (SE) ne\h hou 你好 L.l
Faat Mahn 法文 good morning (SE)jou sahn 早晨 L.9
French toast (N) sai do si 西多士 L.10 good night (SE) }bu tau 早枓 U.2
French Turk (Ph) Faat jihk Tou Yih L.5 good quality (Adj) leng 親 L.13
Keih yahn法4土耳萁人
goodbye (SE) joi gin 再見 L.6
fresh milk (N) sin naaih 鮮奶 L.11
good-looking (Adj) leng 親； L.13
Friday (PN) laih baai ngh 禮拜五； L.8 hou tai好睹
sing keih ngh 星期五
government departments (N) L.7
fried bread stick (N) yauh ja gwai L.10 jing fu bouh muhn 政府咅P門
油炸鬼；yauh tiu 條
great (terrific)(Adj) j e n g 正 L.ll
fried noodle fNj c h a a u mi hn 炒麵 L.10
Greece (PN) Hei Lihp 希職 L.5*
fried rice chaau faahn 炒飯 L.12
green bean sweet soup (N) L.12
fried scramble egg (N) L.10 luhk dau sa綠豆沙
chaau daan
green colour (W)luhk slk 綠色 L.13
friend (N) pahng yauh 朋友 L.7
green tea (N)\uhk chah 綠茶 L.12
from (Prep) yauh 由 L.6
grey (TV) fin s_i k 灰色 L.13
front door (N)ch\hn mun 前門 L.3
ground floor (N) dc\h ha 地下 L.9
front side (N) chi hn mi hn 前面 L.3
ground lotus seed buns L.12
full (Adj) b&au 飽 L.10 (N) lihn yuhng baau 蓮蓉包
fun (Adj) hou waan 好玩 L.ll Guangdong Province (PN) U.l*
• ^ Gwong Dung Saang 廣東省
garage (N)chb fohng 車房 L.3 Guangdong speech (PN) U.l
garbage room (N) laahp saap fohng L.3 Gwong Dung Wa 廣東話
垃圾房 GuangxiProvince (PN) Gwong Sai U.l*
S&ang廣西省
garment (N) saam # L.13
Guangzhou City (PN) Gw6ng J5u 廣州 U.l*
German language (PN) Dak M3n 德文; L.6
Guangzhou dialect (PN) U.l*
Dak Mahn 德文 Gwong Jau Wa 4州話
Germany (PN) Dak Gwok 德國 L.5* Guangzhou speech (PN) U.l*
get married (VO) git fan 結婚 L.12 Gwong Jau Wa 廣州話
get off a vehicle (VO) lohk che 落車 L.14 guesthouse (N) ban gun 賓館 L.3
get up (VO) hei san 起身 L.8 • K
girlfriend (N) nbuih pahng yauh L.4 half-past three (Pn) saam d\m bun U.l
女朋友三點半
g/vefVJbbi 俾 L.13 ham (N) fo teui 火腿 L.10
g/a55(yVJbiii 杯 L.ll handicrafts ^ sau gung ngaih ban L.13
gofVJheui 去 L.2 手工藝品
go home (VO) faan uk kei 返屋企 L.12 Hang Hau (MTR station) L.14
go Dutch (SE) ei ei jai AA M L.12* Haang Hau 坑口
go on duty (VO) faan gung 返工 L.8 Hang Seng Bank (PN) H ahng Sang L.15
go out (VO) cheui gaai 出術； L.10; Ngahn Hohng恒生銀行
heui gaai 去術 L.12 happy (Adj) hoi sam 開心； U.l
go out from (V) chbui ^ U.l fun hei歡喜
Igo to restaurant for dim-sum L.8 harbour (N) gbr\g 港 U.l
\(VO)yiim chah 飲茶 hard (tough) (Adj) sin fu 辛苦 L.ll
\go to school (VO) faan hohk 返學; ,•6 hardworking (Adj) kahn lihk 勤力 L.11
rWduhk 讀 _____________ hats (7VJ m6u 帽 U.l
Igo to university (VO) duhk daaih ,.8 have (possess) (V) y3uh 有 L.4
hohk讀大學 __ __________ have a alcohol drink (VO) yam jau L.12
lô to work (VO) faan gung 返工 ,.8 飲酒
\goldcolour (N) gam sik 金色 ,13 have a drink fW；yam yeh 飲嘢 L.12
have a lunch (VO) sihk aan jau L.12
\goldjewellery (N) gam s]k 金飾 ,13
228
Wi --------------------
Heung Gong Gaau Yuhk Hohk
have a try (Ph) si hah 試吓 L.10 Yun香港教育學院
have free time (not busy) L.8 Hong Kong Island (PN) L.2
(Adj) dak haahn 得閒 Heung Gong Dou 香港島
have not (not to have) (V) mouh ^ L.4 Hong Kong people (N) L.6
have some tea (VO) y km ch3h 飲茶 L.3 Heung Gong yahn 香港人
have to (need to) (AV9 yiu 要 L.6 Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PN) L.1*
Have you got.” (Do you have...?) L.4 Leih Gung Daaih Hohk 理工大學
fG^jyauh mouh ...a?有冇…呀？ Hong Kong Shue Yan University (PN) L.1*
he (Pn) keuih iE U.l Syuh Yahn Daaih Hohk 樹仁大學
headquarters (N)]ung hong 總行 L.14 Hong Kong speech fPNj Heung Gong U.l*
hear (V) teng It L.5 Wa香港話
Hong Kong style Heung Gong slk L.10
heart (N) sam 心 U.l
香港式；G6ng sik港式
hello (hi, good day) (SE) neih hou L.1
Hong Kong style cafe (N)chiih chaan L.9
你好
teng茶餐廳
hello (Intj) ha lou 哈佳;wai °畏 U.2
Hong Kong University of Science and L.1*
help (S.O.S.) (SE) gau mehng a! U.2
Technology (PN) Fo Geih Daaih
救命呀.丨
Hohk科技大學
Heng Fa Chuen (MTR station) (PN) L.14
Hongkong and Shanghai Banking L.14
Hahng Fa Chyu 杏花邮
Corporation (PN) Wuih Fung Ngahn
Heng On (MTR station) (PN) L.14
Hang On恆安 Hohng匯豐銀行
her (Pn) keuih 佢；(TVz) k8uih ge 佢°& L.l Horlicks (N)Hou Laahp Hak 好立克 L.11
here (Pn) n\ douh 呢度 L.2 hospital (N) yi y6n 醫院 L.7
Here it is! (Intj) nah L.4 hostel(N) leuih dim 旅店； L.3
hers (Ph) keuih ge 但0ft L.1 leuih se 旅舍
hey (Intj) wai L.12 hot (in temperature) (Adj) y l ht 熱 U.J
hi (hello; good day) (SE) nei h hou 你好 L.1 hotelWjau dim 酒店 L.3
high (Adj) g6u 高 L.11 houris) (Sujf) go tauh 個鐘頭 L.15
hike (VO) haahng saan 行山 L.5 hours racing track (N) L.8
him (Pn) keuih 佢 U.l mah cheuhng 馬場
his (Ph) keuih ge 佢 L.1 house iik 屋 U.l
history (N) lihk si 歷史；si史 L.5 how (QW) di m yeung 點樣；cfi m 點 L.15
HKID card (N) Heung Gong san fan L.4 How about you? (SE) L.6
img香港身份證 neih n&?你呢？
Ho (Chinese surname) (PN) H 6h 何 L.l How are you? (Q) U.2
hobby (an interest) (N) hi ng cheui L.5 neih hou ma?你好嗎
興趣 how is it called? L.5
holidayJJats (N) douh ga ilk 度假屋 L.3 (QW) mat yeh meng 也研名；
Holland (PN) Hoh Ldan 荷蘭 L.5* me yeh meng 口羊0ff名
home (N) uk kei 屋企 L.14 how long (QW) gei noih 幾耐 L.15
home telephone no. (Ph) 」4 how many (QW) gei d6幾多 L.3
uk kei ge dihn wa 屋企0&電話
how many people (QW) L.4
honey lemonade (TV) n'ing maht 择蜜 1 」1
gei do yahn幾多人
Hong Kong (PN) Heung Gong 香港 l..5
how many years old? (QW) L.4
Hong Kong Baptist University (PN) L
gei do seui幾多歲
Jam Wui Daaih Hohk 浸會大學
How may I address you? (Q) L.15
Hong Kong citizen (N) L-.6
Heung Gong yahn 香港人 -
cfim yeung ch'ing fu neih a?
Hong Kong currency (PN) LA 點樣稱呼你呀？
Gong Baih 港幣 ______________ how much (money) (QW) gbi d6 chm L.4
Hong Kong dollars (PN) L •4 幾多錢；gh chin幾錢
Gone Baih 港幣；Gong YOhn 港元 how much (QW) gei do幾吝
Hong Kong Hotel (PN) L •2 L.3
How to get there? (SE)
Heune Gong Jau Dim 香港酒店 L.15
dl m yûng heui a?點楛去呀？
Hnne Kone Institute of Education (PN) L .1*
229
however (Conj) bat gvvo不過 L.7 • j
HSBC fPN； Wuih Fung Ngahn L.14 jadefNJ yuhk hei 玉器 L.13
Hohng匯堂銀行
January (PN) yat yuht 一月 L.8
hundred (Nu) baak 百 U.l
Japan (PN) Yaht B&n 曰本 L.5*
Hung Horn [a major district in L.2 Japanese language (PN) Yaht Man L.6
Kowloon] (PN) Huhng Ham 紅谢
日文；Yaht MAhn日文
Hungary (PN) Hung Ngh Leih 匈牙利 L.5* Japanese nationality (N) Yaht jihk L.5
hungry (Adj) ngoh 餓；touh ngoh 肚餓 L.ll 曰籍
husband (N) s'in saang 先生； L.5 Japanese speech (PN) Yaht Bun Wa L.6
louh gung 老公曰本話
• i Japanese Yen (PN) Yaht Yiihn 日元 L.4
/(T^ngSh 我 U.l Jasmine tea (PN) H eung Pi n 香片 L.12
iced (Adj) dung ;東 U.l jewellery (N) sau slk 首飾 L.13
ice-skate (VO) lauh bing 溜冰 L.6 Jing-Jing Wong (Chinese name)(PN) L.l
IFC (PN) Gwok Jai Gam Yuhng L.14 Wohng Jing Jing 王晶晶
Jung Sam國際金融中心 jog (VO) paau bouh 跑步 L.6
in (a place) (Prep) h^\ °ii L.3 Jordan (MTR station) L.14
in (a place) (V)hii\ °{i L.2 (PN) Jo Deun 佐敦
in advance si n 先 L.12 July (PN) chat yuht 七月 L.8
in front (ahead; the front side) (N) L.3 June (PN) luhk yuht 六月 L.8
ch'ihn mihn 前面 fust arrived (Ph) sin leih ge 新1^黎电 L.3
in the middle of; centre jung gaan L.9 參尺
中間 ^
Kam Sheung Road (MTR station) (PN) L.14
indeed (Adv))?n\ haih 真係 L.12 Gam Seuhng Louh 錦上路
karaoke (VO) chûng ka laai ou kei L.5
India (PN) Yan Douh 印度 L.5* 唱卡拉OK ‘
Indonesia (PN) Yan Neih 印尼 L.5* key (N) so s'lh 鎖匙；s'lh 匙 U.l
inside; in (N) leuih mihn 裏面；yahp L.9 key holders (N) so si h kauh 鎖匙扣 L.13
mihn入面 kill (V) saat 殺；si 狀 U.l
instructor fNj g a a u li hn 教練 L.7 kind (nice person) (Adj) hou yahn L.ll
insurance company (N) bou hi m gung L.7 好人
si保險公司 kitchen (N) cheui h f6ng 廣房； L.3
intelligent (Adj) chung mihng 聰明； L.ll chyuh fong 廣房
si k 識 U.l
1云k叻
L.5 know about (V)f\ dou 知道；ji 知 L.9
interest; hobby (N) hi ng cheui 興趣
known as (V) gi u jouh giu L.10
interesting (Adj) hou waan 好玩 L.ll
Korea (PN) Hohn Gwok 韓國 L.5*
international (N) gwok jai 國際 L.2
Korean descent (N)Uohn yeuih 韓裔 L.5
International Finance Centre (PN) L.14
Korean language (N) Hohn Man L.6
Gwok Jai Gam Yuhng Jung SAm 國
韓文；H6hn Mahn韓文
際金融中心
Korean speech (PN) Hohn Gwok Wa L.6
international phone card (Ph) gwok L.4 .
韓國話
jai dihn wa kaat 國際電話
Kowloon (PN) Gau Luhng 九龍 L.2
invite (YJ chfeng 請 L.12
Kowloon Bay (MTR station) L.14
Iran (PN) Y\ Lohng 伊朗 L.5*
(PN) Gau Luhng Waan 九龍灣
Iraq (PN) Y\ Laai Hak 伊拉克 L.5*
Kowloon Hotel L.2
Is it okay? (SE) dak mh dak a? L.13 (PN) Gau Luhng Jau Dim 九龍酒店
得唔得呀？ Kowloon Tong (MTR station) L.14
Is it true...? (Ph)ha\h mh haih L.6 (PN) Gau Luhng Tohng 九龍塘
係唔係 kungfu (VO)Aa gung fu 打功夫 L.6
Is that good? (SE) h6 u m h hou a L.12 Kwai Fong (MTR station) L.14
好唔好呀 (PN) Kwaih Fong 葵芳
L.5* Kwai Hing (MTR station) L.14
Israel (PN) Yih STik Liht 以色列
(PN) Kwaih Hi ng 葵興
Italy (PN) Yi Daaih Leih 意大利 L.5
Kwun Tong (MTR station) L.14
it means... ji k haih 即係 L.ll
230
(PN) Gun Tohng 觀播 listen to music (VO) teng yam ngohk L.5
• L 聽音樂
little (a few) (Nu) siu slu 少少； L.6;
Lai Chi Kok (MTR station) L.14
(PN)Laih J5 Gok 荔枯角 (VW/) si u 少 U.l
Lai King (MTR station) little more (Part) dl L.I3
L.14
(PN)laih G彳 ng 荔景 little while (a moment)(N)yat jahn L.JI
Lam Tin (MTR station) L.14 一陣 —
(PN) Laahm Ti hn 藍田 live (Y) jyuh 住 L.3
Landmark (PN) J1 Dei h Gwong L.14 se 宿舍
living quarters (N) silk L.3
Cheuhng置地廣場 living room (N)haak teng 客應 L.3
Lantau Island (PN) Daaih Yuh Saan L.10 L.I4
LoWu(PN)Loh Wuh 羅湖
大嶼山
local dialect (N)bun deih wa 本地話 L.6
Imos (PN) L'luh Gwok 察國 L.5* Lok Fu (MTR station) L.14
large size (N) daaih mah 大碼 L.13 (PN)Lohk Fu 樂富
last month f^seuhng go yuht L.8 Lok Ma Chau (MTR station) (PN) L.14
上個月 Lohk Mah Jau 落馬洲
last week (N) seuhng go si ng keih b/igf/kZ/lchSuhng 長 L.ll
L.8
上個星期匕 — longtime (N)how noih 好耐 L.15
last year (N)gauh nln 舊年； L.8 Long~jing tea (PN) Luhng Jeng 龍井 L.12
gauh n'lhn 舊年 Long Ping (MTR station) L.14
(PN) Lohng P'lhng 朗泰
late (Adj) chi h 遲 U.l
L.13
look (V) tai
Latin language (N) Laai Ding Man L.6
lot (many; much) (Nu) hou do好多； L.13
拉丁文；Ldai Ding Mahn 拉丁文 (Adj)do多
laundry room (N) sai yi fohng L.3 lotus leaf wrapped sticky rice with L.12
洗衣房 chicken (N) ')7in ]yu ga i 珍珠雞；
law firm leuht si lauh 律師樓 L.8 noh maih gai 義米雞
J seng 大聲
\loud(Adj) ddidiih J.2
lawyer (N) leuht s〗律師
lazy (Adj) laahn 」1 love (V)oi (also “ngoi”）愛 -lJ.l
lean meat (N) sauyuhk 瘦肉 1 」0 low (Adj) din jg. L"11
lean pork (N) sau yuhk 瘦肉 l」0 參见
⑺ hohk 學 L-.7 Ma (Chinese surname) (PN) M 馬 |L • 1
leather goods (N)pb\h geui h 皮具 L Ma On Shan (MTR station) (PN) L • 14
走 L-.6 Mah On Saan 馬鞍山 i
macaroni in soup with ham L“10
leave first (P/j j j a u sin 走先 l..13 (Ph) fo teui tung fan 火腿通粉
Lee (Chinese surname) (PN) Lbi h 李；！ AfacflM(fW)OuM(in 澳門;• L-9
Leih 利 Ou Muhn 澳門 |
maid (N) gung yahn 工人 |l .•7
left side (N)]o mihn 左面 L.9
mainlandf/Vjdaaih luhk 大陸 |L.2
leg(N)gQuk W U.l
mainland China (PN) I1 u.2
lemon tea (N) nihng mung chah 檸樣 L.ll Jung Gwok daaih luhk 中國大陸丨
茶；nlngchih檸茶 Malay sponge cake (N) | LA2
lemonade (N) nihng mung seui 檸樣 L.11 mah laai gou 馬:叙 |
水；nlng seui檸水 Malaysia (PN) L.5*
U.2 ' Mah Loih Sai A馬來西亞
let me go through (Ph)]t je 借借
manager(N) g'ing leih 經理 L.7
let's go (SE) haahng la 行喇 L.12
Mandarin (PN) U.l
letter (N) seun 信 U.l Pou Tuns Wa普通話
(Chinese surname) (fW)Lhh 李 L.1 mango pudding (N) L.12
L.3 mong gwo bou din 芒果布甸
library (N) touh syu gun 圖書館
讲0/1)(^/以;細(：/1)(八^[/)<16多； U.l
lift; elevator (N) di hn tai 電梯；lip 粒 L.3
(Nu)ho\x d6好多
light rail(N) h'ing tit 輕鐵 L.14
map (N) deih touh 地圖 L.2
WcfVjjung yi中意/鐘意 L.7
March (N) saam yuht 三月
Lîngnan University (PN) L'lhng L.1*
market (N) g~di2L\ sih 術市；s\h 市 L.9
Daaih Hohk 嶺南大學
marketing (N) L.5
lion(N)s'i n 獅子 L.15
sih cheuhng hohk 市場學
liên (V) tEng 聽 L.5
231
Mass Transit Railway (N) L_9 mind your step (SE) U.2
deih tit 地鐵 maahn maan haahng 慢慢行
mfl灯e/* (TV) si 師 U.l mine (PJi) ngoh ge 我0ft L.l
matter (N) sih 事 U.l mineral water (N) L.ll
kwong chyuhn seui 礦泉水
May (PN) ngh yuht 五月 L.8
(TV) s'l u bS 小巴 L.14
may I ask (V) cheng mahn 請問 L.9
minibus station (N)
me (Pn) ng6h 我 U.l L.14
s\ u ba jaahm 小巴站
measure word [a bowl of] w n 碗 U.2 minute (M) fin 分 U.2
measure word [a can of] gun U.2 minute (of time duration) L.15
measure word [a cup of] b\x\ L.ll (Suff)~ fan jung 分錢
measure word [a pair ofj 6 cm ii U.2 Miss (N) mit sih; s\u je 小姐 L.l
measure word [a piece of (clothes)] U.2 mixed beans sweet soup with taro (N) L.12
gihn 件 ja jah喧噇
measure word [a plate q/7 d 1 h p 碟 L.11 mobile phone (N) L.4
sau taih dihn wa 手提電話
measure word [a pot of] w i h 壺 L.12
Monday (PN) laih baai yat 禮拜一； L.8
measure word [fora person and a way to L.7
sing keih yat 星期一
show respect] vjdi\ ^4
money (N) ch\n L.4
measure word [for books; magazines] U.2
money exchange shop (N) L.2
biin 本 jaau wuhn dim 找換店
measure word [for buildings; houses and L.9 Mong Kok (MTR station) L.2
rooms/gaan (PN) Wohng Gok 旺角
measure word [for most animals] j e k 隻 U.2 Mong Kok East (MTR station) L.14
measure word [for objects in a set, such U.2 (PN) Wohng Gok Dung 旺角東
as documents, newspapers; a sandwich month (W) yuht 月 U.l
or a jobj fahn 份 month after next L.8
(Ph) joi hah go yuht 再下個月
measure word [for objects that are U.2
month before last L.8
cylindrical, rigid, long and thin, e.g.
(Ph) joi seuhng go yuht 再上個月
pencils, cigarettes, etc.])\ month(s) (of time duration) L.15
measure word [for paper; card; objects U.2 (Suff) go yuht 個月
with a flat surface, such as chairs, tables moon (W) yuht 月 U.l
orbedsjjbung 張 morning (TV) Jiu tauh jou 朝頭早 U.2
measure word [for people; round objects U.2 卿最 L.8
or abstract things，such as questions or
mother(N)miih ma 媽媽 L.4
ideas/ go個
motor bike fNj d i hn daan che L.14
measure word [for street or things with a L.15
電單車
long shape】（M) t'l uh 條 mountain (N) saan Jj U.l
measure word [for vehicles; machines; U.2 L.l
Mr. (N) si n saang 先生
e.g. cars, airplane] ga 架
Mrs. (N) taai taai 太太 L.l
meat (W) y uhk 肉 L.12
MTR (N) dei h tit 地鐵；gong tit 港鐵 L.9
medical doctor (N) y\ sang 醫生 L.7
MTR station (N) deih tit jaahm 地鐵站 L.9
medicine (N) yi hohk 醫學 L.5
much (many; a lot) L.13
medium size(A^jjung mah 中碼 L.13 (Nu) hou d6好多;(Adj) do ^
//i從/(TJ gin 見 U.l ，nug(N)biii 杯 L.ll
Mei Foo (MTR station) L.14 music (N)yam ngohk 音樂 L.5
(PN) Meih Fu 美孚 my (Ph) ngoh ge 我0ft L.l
Mexico (PN) M^hk Sai Go签西哥 L.5*
• w
Middle America (PN) L.2 L.14
Nam Cheong (MTR station)
Jung Meih Jau 中美洲
(PN) Naahm Cheung 南昌
Middle East (PN) Jung Dung 中東 L.2 L.1
named; known as (V) giu
Mid-Level (a district in HK Island) (PN) giu jouh 叫做
L.14
3un Saan 半山 namely (V)}~\ k haih 即係 L.ll
midnight (N) ngh y eh 午夜 U.2 L.11
/n/7*rWngauh naaih 牛奶；nhih 奶 L.1I near(Adj)kahn U.l
milk tea (N) naaih chah 奶茶 L.11 L.9
nearby (N) fuh gahn 附近
232
need to (/W) yiu 要 L.6 not (Adv) mh 0吾 U.l
neighboring f/Vj gaak leih 隔離 L.9 not at all (SE) mh sai mh goi L.9
Nepal(PN)^bih Pok Yih 尼泊爾 L.4 唔使唔該
nervous (Adj) gkn jeung 緊張 L.11 not busy (Adj) dik haahn 得閒 L.8
Netherlands (PN) H6h Uan 荷蘭 L.5* not quite (Adv) mh haih gei 唔係幾 L.8
never (Adv) chuhng loih rnh 從來口吾 L.7 n况jWf/WvJmeih 未 L.12
never mind (SE) mh gan yiu 0吾緊要 U.2 November (PN) s a h p yat yuht L.8
new (Adj) sAn 新 U.l 十一月
L.8 now(N)y\h 而家 L.2
newspaper (N) bou /1 報紙
wm/w知"MJhouh 號 L.3
new stuff (Ph) shn yeh 新0ff L.11
nunnery (N)im J^； U.l
New Year(PN) San Isfihn 新年 U.2
nurse (N)wuh sih 護士 L.7
New York(PN)îiu Yeuk 紐約 L.5
New Zealand (PN) Nau Sai Laahn L.5* • 0
紐西蘭；San Sai Laahn新西蘭 o’doc/c (TV) dl m 點 U.l
New Zealand Dollars (PN) Nau Yuhn L.4 obedient (Adj) gwiai 乖 L.11
紐元 occasionally (Adv) g a a n j G n g Pa]中 L.7
newcomer(Ph) san leih ge 新。黎0 L.3 October (PN) sahp yuht 十月 L.8
next month (N) hah go y uht 下個月 L.8 Octopus card (PN) baat daaht tung L.4
next one (Ph) hah yat go下一個 U.2 kaat八達通咭
next time (Ph)hah chi 下次 U.2 office (N) baahn gung sat 辦公室 L.3
next to (N) gaak leih 隔離 L.9 often (Adv) si h si h 時時 L.7
next week (N) hah go s'ing keih L.8 okay [used to express agreement] (SE) L.13
下個星期 hou la好啦
next year cheut ni n 出年； U.2; okay; fine [used to express aproval] U.l
L.8 (Adj) dak ^
cheut n'lhn 出年
L.1 old (not new)(Adj)君a u h 舊 L.ll
Ng (Chinese surname)
(PN)Ngh N帥伍 16 u h 老 L.1I
Ngau Tau Kok (MTR station) L14 Olympic (MTR station) L14
(PN) Ngauh Tauh Gok 牛頭角 (PN) Ou Wahn 奧運
nice person (Adj) hou yahn 好人 L.ll on (a place) (Prep) hh L.3
Nigeria (PN) Neih Yaht Leih A L.5* on (a place) (V)hk\ L.2
尼曰利亞 on foot (VO)haahng louh 行路 L.14
night (N)yth maahn 夜晚 L.15 once (Nu)ydii chi 一次 U.2
night(s)(of time duration) L.15 once more (Adv)}0\ 再 L.15
(和历〜m&ahn晚 one f/Vwjyat — U.l
nine (Nu) gau A, U.l one dollar(Ph) yii min —蚊 L.4
no (VWvJ ifih 唔 U.l one hour (Ph) yat go jung tauh L.15
no need (Adv) mh sai ■使 L.8 一個錢頭
no problem (SE) mouh mahn taih L.4 one hundred dollars (P/ij yat baak L.4
冇問題 man 一百蚊
no questions (Ph)mouh mahn taih L.4 fP/ijyat ch'in
one thousand dollars L.4
冇問題 man 一千蚊
noisy (Adj) chouh °f L.11 only (Adv)]\hng haih 淨係 L.4
noodles (N) mihn 麵 L.10 Oolong tea (PN) Wu Lung chah L.12
noon (7Vj jing ngh 正午； U.2 烏龍茶
jung ngh 中午 opposite (side) (N) deui mihn 對面 L.9
north (WjbAk 北 L.15 or [only used in a question indicating L.11
options] (Conj) dihng haih 定係；
North America (PN) Bak Meih Jau L.2
北美洲 dihng 定
or [used in a statement, not for question) L.12
North Korea (PN) Bak Hohn 北韓 L.5*
waahk je 或者
North Point (MTR station) L.14
(PN)Bik Gok 北角 orange (N) chaang sik 检色 L.13
Norway (PN) Noh Wai 挪威 L.5* orange juice (N) chaang jap 检汁 L.11
233
海鮮卷 single (N) daan 單 U.l
second (N) m'uh 秒 U.2 single room L.3
second floor (Ph)y \h lau 二樓 L.9 (N) daan yahn fong 單人房
second(s) (of time duration) (Stiff) Sir (N) a sûh 阿 L.l
L.15
mi uh jung 秒鐘 sisters (N)}\ muih 姐妹 L.11
secondary school fN；jung hohk 中學 L.3 L.3
sit (V) ch6h 坐
see (V) gin 見，•⑺tii 梯; U.l; L.14
Siu Hong (MTR station) (PN)
(Ph)g\n dou 見^ L.15 Siuh Hong 兆康
see you later (SE) yat jahn gin 一 P車見 U.2 Siu-Ping Chan (Chinese name) L.7
seldom (Adv) hou s"iu 好少 L.7 (PN) Chahn Si u P'lhng 陳小平
September(PN) gau yuht 九月 L.8 six (Nu) luhk 六 U.l
serious (Adj) sai lei h 犀利 L.ll size (N) chek mah 尺碼；sâi s'i 晒士 L.13
servant (N) gung yahn 工人 L.7 ski (VO) waaht syut 滑雪 L.6
seven (Nu) chat -fc U.l sleep (V) fan 9Ui|; fan gaau 昉丨丨覺 L.15
Seven-up (PN) Chat H61 七喜 L.11 s/ow (Ad/) maahn 慢 L.ll
Seven-up with lemon (N) L.ll small (Adj) sdi\ U.l
ning chat 檸七 small size (N) sai mah 細碼 L.13
Shanghaiese dialect (PN) L.6
Seuhng Hoi Wa i海話 smart (intelligent) L.ll
(Adj) chung ml hng 聰明
Shatin (MTR station)(PN)Ssi Tihn 沙田 L.14
sw衫/(y, •s/e/2c/7(VW/)chau 臭 L.ll
Shatin Wai (MTR station) (PN) L.14
Sa Tihn Waih 沙田圍 smoke (VO) sihk y"in 食煙 L.5
Shau Kei Wan (MTR station) L.14 so... (Intj) gam ^ L.l
fP/VjSaau Gei Waan 筲萁灣 socks (N) maht 模 U.l
she (Pn) k6ui h 佢 U.l L.ll
soft drinks (N)ht\ seui 汽水
Shek Kip Mei (MTR station) L.14 L.4
(PN) Sehk Gi p Meih 石•^尾 some (Nu) yat di 一
Shek Mun (PN) (MTR station) L.14 sometimes (Adv) ykuh s'lh 有時 L.7
Sehk Mihn 乂門 son (7VJ j 各 l 仔 L.12
Shenzhen (PN) Sam Jan 深圳 L.14 sore (Adj) tung 痛 U.l
Sheung Shui (MTR station) (PN) L.14 sorry (SE) deui mh jy uh 對唔住；rhh U.2
Seuhng Seui 上水 hou yi s"i。吾好意思
Sheung Wan (MTR station) L.2 so-so (Adv) mah ma dei 麻麻0it L.8
(PN) Seuhng Waahn 上環
soup dumplings (N) gun tong gaau L.12
shoes (N) hâih 鞋 U.l 灌湯餃 ‘
shop (VO) haahng gaai 行術 L.5 sour (Adj) syuu U.l
short (in height} (Adj} hi 接;ng&i 矮 U.l south (N) nAahm 南 L.15
short (in length) (Adj) dy iin 短 L.ll South Africa (PN) Naahm Fei 南非 L.4
Shou-mei tea (PN) Sauh Mei 壽眉 L.12 South America (PN) L.2
shower (VO) chung leuhng 沖凉、 L.8 Naahm Meih Jau 南美洲
shrimp dumpling (N) ha gaau 瑕飲 L.12 South Korea fPyVjNaahm Hohn 南韓 L.4
shrimp dumplings served with salad L.12 South Korean Won (PN) Naahm Hohn L.4
dressing (N) ha gok 瑕角 Waahn 南韓園；Nâhm Hohn Yuhn

‘韓元
Shum Shui Po (MTR station) L.14 soya bean milk dauh jeung 豆衆 L.10
(PN) Sam Seui Bou 深水涉
L.2 Spain (PN) Sai Baan Ngah 西班牙 L.4
shuttle bus
(N) chyun so ba si 穿梭巴士 Spanish language (PN) Sai Baan L.6
L.6 Ngah Man 西班^•文；Sî Baan Ngah
Si (Chinese surname) (7WJ S'l 史 Mahn西班牙支 "
sick (Adj) b e h n g 病 U.l Spanish speech L.6
sign (V) chi m meng 簽名 L.3 (PN) Sai Baan Ngah Wa 西班牙話
signature (N) ch'm meng 簽名 L.3 spare ribs p a a 1 h gwat L.12
silly (Adj) s6h 傻 L.ll speak g6ng 講 L.7
L.13 Special Administrative Region of Hong U.l*
silver (N) ngahn slk 銀色
L.5 Kong (PN)HeungGong Dahk Biht
sing (VO) cheunp, go唱歌 Hahns Jing Keui香港特別行政區
Singapore (PN) San Ga Bo新加波 LA Special Administrative Region of Macau U.l
Singapore Dollars 一 (PN) Ou Muhn Dahk Biht Hahng
(PN)Sin Ga Bo Yuhn 新加坡元 fine Keui澳門特別行政區 ^
236
spring rolls (N) chbur\ gyun 春卷 L.12 surf on the internet L.8
Sprite (PN) Syut Bik 雪碧 L.11 (VO) seuhng mohng 上網
square; plaza (N) L.14
surname (N) sing 姓 U.l
surroundings (N) waih 周圍 L.9
gwong cheuhng 廣場
Sweden (PN) Seuih I/in 瑞典 L.4
staircase (N)\auh tai 樓梯 L.3
sweet cream buns (N) L.12
stamp collecting (VO) jaahp yauh 集部 L.5 naaih wohng baau 奶皇包
Standard Chartered Bank (PN) Ja Da L.15 sweet dumpling in soup L.12
Ngahn Hohng渣打銀行 (N)tong y un 湯圓
Star Ferry Pier (PN) Tin S'ing Mah L.14 swim (VO) yauh seui 游水 L.6
Tauh天星碼頭 Swiss Francs (PN) L.4
Seuih Sih Faat Lohng 瑞士法郎
station (a stop) j a a h m 站 L.9
Seuih Sih 瑞士
Switzerland (PN) L.4
statue (W) jeuhng 像 L.15
Szeto (Chinese surname) L.1
steam (V) ')\ng ^ L.12 (PN) Si Touh 司徒
steamed bean curd rolls (N) si n juk L.12 • r
gyun鮮竹卷 T shirt (N) 11 seut T 社 L.I3
steamed chicken feet (N) fuhng jaau L.12 TaiKoo (MTR station} (PN) Taai Gii 太古 1」4
鳳爪 Tai Po Market (MTR station) \ 」4
对ewc/z (VW/) c h a u 臭 L.1I (PN) Daaih Bou Heui 大墙墟
stewed beef tripe (N) gam ch'ihn touh L.12 Tai Shui Hang (MTR station) (PN) 」4
金錢肚 Daaih Seui Haang 大水坑
Tai Wai (MTR station) (PN) 」4
sticky (Adj) ch'\ ^ U.l
Daaih Waih 大圍
sticky rice dumplings with meat L.I2 Tai Wo (MTR station) 1 」4
(N) haahm seui gok 咸水角 (PN) Taai Woh 太如
sticky rice dumpling (TV) j 6 n g 樓 L.10 Tai Wo Hau (MTR station) 」4

(PN) Daaih Wo Hau 大窩口
still; also (Adv) j u h n g 仲 L.12
Taiwan (PN) Toih Waan 台灣一4
stop (like a car, a train) (Ph) ti hng che L.3
take a taxi; by taxi ] -.14
停車 (VO) daap d"ik s"i 搭的士
stop to get off (SE) yauh lohk 有落 L.14 take a train; by train 1 」4
store room L.3 (VO) choh fo che 坐火車
(T^jaahp maht fong 雜物房 take an aeroplane; by aeroplane ] 」4
(VO) choh fei gei 坐飛機
street (N) gaai )
take away, “to go” 1
street intersection fA^gaaihau^fD 」4 (V) nlng iau 於走；nik i&u 壢走
street junction (N) gaai h&u 衝口 1 」4 •容祝（V) 16攞丨一.9
stroll (VO) saan bouh 散步 taking photographs (VO) ying seung ..5
影相 ^
student (N) hohk saang 學生 L..1
talk {V) g6ng 講；king 傾 L.7 . 1
student hostel L13
tall(Adj)gou % L.ll
(N) hohk saang suk se 學生宿舍
Tang speech (PN)Tohng Wa 唐話 U.l i
s如办(Y)duhk 讀；hohk 學； L.5
taro dumplings (Nj wuh gok 罕角 L.12
(VO) duhk syi 讀書
tasty (for drinks) (Adj) h6uy&m 好飲 L.11
study in school (VO) duhk syi 讀書 L.5
tasty (forfood) (Adj) hou sihk 好食 L.10
study room (Nj syu fong 書房； L.3
taxi (N) d'l k si 的士 L.2
yuht duhk sat 閱讀室
taxi driver (Ph) i\k s\ s"i gei 的士司機 p.50
对MpWfAd/J chSun 蠢 L.11
taxi stand (N) d'l k si jaahm 的士站 L.14
submit homework L.12
tea leaves (N)chah yihp 茶葉 L.13
fVOjgaau gung fo交功課 L.7 1
teach (V)gaau 教
sugar (N) tbhng 糖 L.11 .yJ
teacher fNj louh si 老師
sun (A/jyaht Q ; taai yeuhng 太陽 U.2
rearsfNjngaahn leuih 眼淚 U.l
Sunday (PN) laih baai yaht 禮拜日； L.8
telephone (N) dihn wa 電話
^ng keih yaht 星期日 telephone no. forpolice
U.2
Sunny Bay (MTR station) L.14 (Nu) gau eau sau 九九九
Yan Ou 欣澳 teller (N) ngahn hohng cheut naahj)L.7
vuhn ik行出納員
SuP€rmarket (N) c\n\x kap sih L.9 L.9 1
teller machine (N)gwaih yuhn gei
超級市場
____________________
237
ten (Nu) sahp 十 U.l s'ing keih sei 星期四
ten cents (Ph) yat houh 一毫 L.4 Tie-guan-yin tea (PN) T\t Gun Yam L.12
ten dollars (Ph) sahp man 十蚊 L.4 鐵覲音
terminal station (TV) jOng jaahm 總站 L.14 (TV) s'lh 時；s'lh gaan 時間 U.l
terminus (N)]ung jaahm 總站 L.14 Tin Hau (MTR station) L.14
泣(/Wj) jeng 正 L.ll (PN) Ti n Hauh 天后
Thai Baht (PN) Taai Jyu 泰鍊 L.4 Tin Keng Leng (MTR station) L.14
_T'iuh Ging Lihng 調景嶺
Thai language (PN) Taai Man 泰文； L.6
Taai Mahn 泰文 tired (Adj) guih 姑 U.l
to(Prep)î 良dou 到 L.8
Thailand fPNj Taai Gwok 泰國 L.5
toast (TV) d 6 si 多士 L.10
thank you (many thanks) [express one’s L.5
today (N) gam y aht 今日 L.8
gratitude] (Sf) d6 jeh 多謝
together (Adv) yai chaih 一齊 L.7
thank you [for a small favor] L.4
(SE) mh goi 嗜該 toilet (N) sai sau gaan 洗手間； L.2
thank you in advance L.12 chi so厕所
(SE) do jeh sin 多謝先 tomorrow (N)Ung y aht 聽日 L.8
thank you very much! L.13 tonight (N) gam m&ahn 今晚 L.8
(SE) mh goi saai 嗓該晒 too; also (Adv) dou # L.7
too; excessively (Adv) taai 太 L.13
thanks for asking (SE) yauh sam 有心 U.2
top (N) seuhng mihn 上面 L.9
that (Pn) go dl L.10
total (Adv) yat guhng 一共；hahm L.ll
that person (Pn) go wai 個 L.10
baahng laahng 冚你0冷
them (Pn) keuih deih 佢吨 L.l
toward (Prep) hcung L.15
then [used in a clause to indicate the L.14
trademark fTVj p a a 1 h jl 牌子 L.13
consequence or result of an action]
train (N)fo che 火車 L.14
(Cb/yVjauh 就
tram (N) dihn che 電車 L.14
then that’s fine (SE) jauh dak laak L.14
tram station (N) dihn che jaahm L.14
就得嘞
電車站
there (Pn) go douh 度 L.2
translate (V) faan yihk 翻譯 L.5
therefore (Conj) so y 1 h 所以 L.14
translation (N) faan y 1 hk 翻譯 L.5
these (Pn) ni dl 呢响 L.10
travel (V) leui h hahng 旅行 L.5
they (Pti) keuih deih 佢说 L.l
traveling (N) leuih hahng 旅行 L.5
thin (in contrast to fat) (Adj) sail 瘦 L.ll
treat (V) chfeng 請 L.12
think (V) gok dak 覺得 L.10
treat a meal (VO) cheng sihk faahn L.15
thirsty (Adj) gbng hot 頸渴；hot 渴 L.11
請食飯
this (Pn) nl d 1 呢咐 L.10
trousers (7VJ f u 褲 U.l
this month gam go yuh 今個月； L.8
try⑺si試 U.l
ni go yuht呢個月 Tseung Kwan 0 (MTR station) L.14
this one (Pn) ni go呢個 L.10 (PN)Jbung Gwan Ou 將軍澳
this pair of shoes (Ph) n\ deui h》aih 呢 L.10 Tsim Sha Tsui (MTR station) L.2
對鞋 (PN) J"\m Sa Jeui 尖沙0且
this piece of clothes (Ph) ni gihn saam L.10 Tsim Sha Tsui East (PN) Jim DG n g 尖 L.2
呢件衫東
this week (N) gam go si ng kei h L.8 Tsuen Wan (MTR station) L.14
今個星期；n"i go sing kei h呢個星期 (PN) Chyuhn Waan 签灣
this year (N) gam nin 今年； L.8 Tsui (Chinese surname) (PN) Cheuih L.1
gam n'lhn 今年徐；Chûi崔
those(Pn) go dl 咐 L.10 Tuesday (PN) laih baai yih 禮拜二； L.8
thousand (Nu) chin -f* L.13 smg keih yih 星期二

U.l Tung Chung (MTR station) L.14
three (Nu) saam -H-
three years (Ph) saam mhn 二年 L.15 (PN) Dung Chung 東涌
L.8 tunnel fNJ seuih douh 隨道 L.14
Thursday (PN) laih baai sei 禮拜四；
238
Turkey (PN) Tou Vih Keih 土耳其 L.5* hahp touh louh 合桃路
Wan Chai (MTR station) L.2
twenty cents (Ph) leuhng houh 兩毫 LA
WjWAanî 灣仔
twenty dollars (Ph) y\h sahp man LA L.3
want (something) f VJ y 1 u 要
二十蚊
want to (do something) (/\V9s6ung 想 L.3
加o(Ww)yih 二；kuhng 兩 U.l
want to have (something) L.3
two dollars (Ph) leuhng man 兩蚊 L.4
(Ph) seung yiu 想要
two months (Ph) leuhng go yuht L.15 washroom (N)sk\ sau gaan 洗手間； L.2
兩個月、
chi so厠所
type (VO) da jih 打字 L.6
watch (V)iai\ 0^ L.13
• V
watch movies (VO) hei 梯戲 L.5
US. Dollars (PN) Mei h Gam 美金； L.4
watch TV (VO) tai dihn sih 睹電視 L.15
Meih Yuhn 美元
watches (Nj sau biu 手钱 L.13
ugly (Adj) chku yeung 醜樣；chau % L.11
we (Pn) ngoh deih 我。地 L.2
uncooked (raw) (Adj) saang U.l
Wednesday (PN)\?l\\\ baai saam L.8
under (N) hah mihn 下面 L.9
禮拜三；s'ing keih saam星期三
under the bridge (Ph) kiuh d&i 橋底 L.14 week after next (Ph)\o\ hah go sing L.8
understandfVj m'lhng 明；m、ihng U.2 khh再下個星期
baahk明白 week before last (Ph) jo 1 seuhng go L.8
United Kingdom L.6 sing keih再上個星期
(PN)Y\n^ Gwok 英國 week(s) (of time duration) (Sujf) go L.15
United States ofAmerica L.5
sing keih個星期
(PN) Meih Gwok 美國
university(N) daaih hohk 大學 L.3 week; day of a week (PN) Iai h baai L.8
L.14 禮拜；s〗ng keih星期
University (MTR station) (PN)
Daaih Hohk 大學 weekend Wjau muht 周末 L8
University of Hong Kong (PN) L.1 weight lifting (VO) gbxn chuhng L.6
Heung Gong Daaih Hohk 香港大學; 舉重
Gong Daaih 港大 welcome (V)f\\n y'lhng 歡迎 L.1
university’s hostel L.3 welcome for coming (SE) fun yi hng L.1
(N) daaih hohk suk se 大學宿舍 gwong lahm歡迎光臨
until (Prep)}\ dou 到 L.8 well…(Intj) gam L.1
upstairs lauh seuhng 樓上 L.9 west (N)shi 西 L.15
us (Pn) ngoh deih 我。地 L2 West Rail Line (PN)Sii Tit Sin 西珉綫 L.14
# V Western style (N)西式 L.10
vegetable (N) cho\ U.2 Western style barbecue pork buns (N) L.12
vegetarain food (N)jaai ^ L.12 cha siu chaan baau 叉燒餐包，
L.7 what(QW) gei d6幾多；mit yeh L.3
very (Adv) h6u 好
me yeh °羊呀
very good (Ph) hou hou 好好 U.2
what kind of L.6
vicinity (N)fuh gahn 附近 L.9 (QW) mat yeh me yeh 0羊0ff
Vietnam (PN) Yuht Naahm 越南 L.5* what kind of company L.8
visa (N) chlm jing 簽證 L.4 (QWjmat yeh gung s"i 乜研公司
vision f") sih 視 U.l what kind of vehicle L.14
visit a friend f VOj taam pahng yauh L.8 (QW) mat yeh che 也研車
探朋友 ^ what mode of transportation L.14
(QWJ mat yeh che 也。ff車
參矽
what name (QWjmat yeh meng L.5
wait a moment (Ph) dang dang 等等 U.2
乜名；yeh meng咩研名
wait for (V) d3ng 等 U.l
what nationality (QW) miit yeh yahn L.5
waiter; waitress (N) sih ying 侍應 L.7 人；yeh yahn 洋0ff人
walk (on foot) (VO) haahng louh 行路 L.14 what number (QW) gb\ do houh L.3
walk (V) h》ahng 行 L.15 幾多號
walk straight on (Ph)]\hk haahng L.15 what on earth is thislthat? L.10
直行 (Qjmat yeh laih ga?乜研嘴嘌？
âlkaround(VOj haahng gaai 行術 L.5 what subject (QW) mil yeh fo L.5
âlnut sweet soup (N) L.12 乜嘢科
239
whatys your surname? (SE) neih gwai L.6 fWJNgh Wuh WG ^
sing a?你貴姓呀？ Wu Kai Sha (MTR station) (PN) L.14
when (QW) gei sih 幾時 L.8 Wu Kai Sa烏溪沙
where (QW) b'l n douh 邊度 L.2 雖
which (QW) bi n di 邊咐 L.10 Yau Ma Tei (MTR station) L.2
which building (QW) bin gaan 邊間 L.10 (PN)Ykuh Mah Dei 油麻地
white (N) baahk sik 白色 L.13 Yau Tong (PN) Yauh Tohng 油塘 L.14
whole (Pn) hahm baahng laahng L.11 3^flr(VV)nihn 年 L.8
冚啉畤 year after next (N) hauh nin 後年； L.8
wicked (evil minded) (Adj) seui 衰 L.11 hauh nihn 後年
wide (Adj) fut 湖 U.l year before last (N) chi hn nl n 前年； L.8
wife (N) taai taai 太太；16uh poh 老婆 L.5 chihn nihn 前年
H7_"; hwiW w6i h 會 L.15 years old(N) seui 歲 L.5
window-ledge (N) cheung toih 窗台 L.3 yellow (N) wohng sik 黃色 L.13
windsurfing (VO) waaht lohng fung L.6 yellowish green (N) cheng si k 青色 L.13
faahn滑浪風帆 yesterday (N) chahm yaht 0尋日；kahm L.8
酒 U.2 yaht琴曰
with (Prep) tuhng 同 L.7 Yogoslavia (PN) Naahm S"i Laai fG L.5*
withdraw money (VO) 16 chi n 攞錢 L.9 南斯拉夫
Wong (Chinese surname) L.l you (plural) (Pn) neih deih (also t4leih L.1
Wohng 黃/王 deih”)你哋
Wong Tai Sin (MTR station) L.14 you (Pn) neih (also “I8ih”)你 U.l
(PN) Wohng Daaih SI n 黃大仙 you9re welcome (SE) mh sai mh goi L.9
wonton (N)v/ahn tan 雲吞 L.10 。吾使啥該；hh s》i d6 jeh唔使多謝
wonton noodles (N) wahn tan mihn L.10 young (Adj) hauh saang 後生 L.11
雲吞麵 young lady; (TV) s*i u je 小姐 L.l
nwJfc (T) jouh 做；fWjjouh sih L.8 younger brother (N) daih dai 弟弟 L.5
做事；jouh yeh做研 younger sister (N)mu\h mui 妹妹 L.5
worker (N) gung yahn 工人 L.7 your(Ph) neih ge 你*tt L.l
worth buying (SE) dai maai h 4氐買 L.13 yours (Ph) neih ge 你电 L.1
抵 L.13 youth hostels fNJ chi ng n'lhn leuih se L.3
would like (something) (V) y l u 要 L.3 青年旅舍
would like to (do something) L.3 yuanyuang (PN) Yin Yeung %%. L.11
(AV) sfeung 想 Yue language (PN) Yuht Yuh 粵語 U.l
would; will (AV) w&ih 會 L.15 Yuen Long (PN) Yuhn Lohng 元朗 L.14
Wow! [express surprise or wonder】 L.13 • Z
(Intj)wa Zee (Chinese surname) L.1
HTi/e ⑺ s6寫 L.15 (尸"JChfeuih 徐
HTO/ig (VW/) cho錯 L.11 zero (Nu) l、ihng 零 U.l
Wu (Chinese surname) L.1
240
glossary Ji66reviations of grammatical^Terms
• Classification of Words/Part of speech (詞類 chih leuih)

In modem Chinese, according to their nature, words are classified into nouns,
adjectives, verbs, etc. which is known as “詞類 ch、ih leuih (parts of speech)’’ •
Here are the twelve common categories:
1) Nouns (名詞 m'lhng ch、ih) - Nouns are the words that denote people, things or places
and time.
2) Pronouns (代詞 doih ch'ih) - Pronouns are words that stand for nouns, verbs and
adjectives.
3) Verbs (動詞 duhngch'ih) - Verbs are the words that express the existence, action,
behaviour, will or change of person or a thing.
4) Adjectives (形容詞 y'lhng yuhng ch、ih) — Adjectives are words that describe the
nature or condition (the shape, quality or state) of a person or a thing.
5) Numerals (數詞 sou ch'ih) - Numerals are words that express numbers.
6) Measure words (量詞 leuhng ch'ih) - Measure words are words that express a unit
of a thing or action.
7) Adverbs (畐丨J詞 fu ch'ih) - A word that generally proceeds a verb or an adjective to
express time, degree, scopes, repetition, negation, possibility or tone of speech, etc. is
called an adverb.
8) Prepositions (介詞 gaai ch'ih) - Prepositions are words that are placed before nouns,
pronouns or phrases to form a prepositional phrase and are used together to express the
direction, object, time, place etc. of an action.
9) Conjunctions (連詞 lihn ch'ih) - Conjunctions are words that connect words,
phrases, clauses or sentences. 丨

10) Particles (助詞 joh ch'ih) - Particles are words that are added to words, phrases or
sentences to express some additional meanings. 丨

11) Interjections (感歎詞 gam taan ch'ih)-An interjection is an exclamation, a crying
out or a response. |
12) Onomatopoeia (象聲詞 jeuhng s-ing ch'ih) - An onomatopoeia word is one which
imitates the sound of a thing or an action. |
• Word (詞 ch、ih) - 1
The smallest meaningful units of language, which can be used independently. !
• Phrase (詞組 ch'ih j6u/短語 dyiin y6h)- 1
Two or more words together may be a word group, which is generally called a phrase,
e.g. yat bun san syu (a new book) I
• Sentence (句子 geui fi)-

A phrase or combination of phrases that can stand independently and express a definite |
idea is a sentence. —
— '
241
• Abbreviations of grammatical cate gories
Adj =adjective y、ihng yuhng ch'ih 形容詞
Adv 二 adverb fu ch'ih 副詞
AV =auxiliary/optative verb joh duhng ch'ih 助動詞
/nahng yuhn duhng ch'ih /能願動詞
Conj =conjunction 1'ihn ch'ih 連詞
Intj =interjection (gam) taan ch'ih 感歎詞
M/MW =measure word leuhng ch'ih 量詞
N =noun m、ihng ch'ih 名詞
1) proper name (PN) chyun yauh m、ihng ch'ih 專有名詞
2) time word (TW) s'lh gaan ch'ih 時間詞
3) localizer/place word (PW) chyu so ch'ih 處所詞
4) position word (PosW) fong wai ch'ih 方位詞
Nu =numeral sou ch'ih 數詞
Obj = object ban yuh 賓語
Ono = onomatopoeia jeuhng s~ing ch'ih 象聲詞
Part =particle joh ch'ih 助詞
1) structural particle git kau joh ch'ih 結構助詞
2) aspect particle s'lh taai joh ch'ih 時態助詞
3) modal particle yuh hei joh ch'ih 語氣助詞
a) sentence/final particle yuh meih joh ch'ih 語尾助詞
b) interrogative particle y、ih mahn joh ch'ih 疑問助詞
Ph =phrase dyun yuh 短語
Pn 二 pronoun doih ch'ih 代詞
1) personal pronoun yahn ch'ing doih ch'ih 人稱代詞
2) demonstrative pronoun )\ sih doih ch'ih 指示代詞
3) interrogative pronoun/ y、ih mahn doih ch'ih 疑問代詞
question word (QW)
Pred =predicate waih yuh 謂語
Pref =prefix ch'ih tauh 詞頭
=specified prefix/ specifier )\ sih ch、ih tauh 指示詞頭
Prep =preposition gaai ch'ih 介詞
Pttn =sentence pattern geui y、ihng 句型
SE =set expression gwaan yuhng yuh 慣用語
Subj =subject jyuh yuh 主語
Suff =suffix ch'ih meih 詞尾
Top =topic jyu taih 主題
V =verb duhng ch、ih 動詞
1) directional verb cheui heuhng duhng ch'ih 趨向動詞
syut m'lhng duhng ch'ih 說明動詞
jihng taai duhng ch'ih
動賓結朵
VO =verb object structure duhng ban git kau
(References
• Bauer, R. S. and Benedict, P. K. (1997) Modern Cantonese Phonology. Berlin: Mouton de

Gruyter
• Bruce Lee. (2007) In Wikipedia，the free encyclopedia. Online:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce Lee
• Cantonese language. (2007). In Encyclopedia Britannica. Online:

http://search.eb.com/eb/article-9020Q79
參 Chinese Tea Culture. (2001-2002) In University Museum and Art Gallery. Online:
www.hku.hk/hkumag/teagallerv
• City Hall. (2003) In Leisure and Cultural Services Department, HKSAR. Online:
http://www.lcsd.gov.hk
• Crystal, D. (1991) A dictionary of linguistics and phonetics. 3rd edition. Cambridge, MA:
Basil Blackwell.
參 Currencies. (2006) In Hong Kong Tourism Board. Online:

http://www.discoverhongkong.com; http://www.hkta.org
• Deng Xiaoping. (2007). In Encyclopcedia Britannica. Online:

http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9029927
• Dim-sum. (2007) In Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Online:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dim-sum
• Fricative consonant. (2007). In Wikipedia，the free encyclopedia. Online:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fricative
• Huang, P. and Kok, G, (1970). Speak Cantonese, Vol: 1. Newhaven: Yale University Press
• Matthews, S. and Yip, V. (1994). Cantonese: A Comprehensive Grammar. London:
Routledge
• Transportation modes at Arrivals Hall. (2007) In Hong Kong International Airport.
Online: http://www.hongkongairport.com
• Yale Romanization, Cantonese. (2007) In Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Online:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yale Romanization
• Yum-cha. (2007) In Wikipedia，the free encyclopedia. Online:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yum-cha

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KEY TO PHONETIC SYMBOLS

Yale Romanization vs. Similar Pronunciation in U.K. English

Initial Consonants Finals Finals

w west Symbols Sound U mood

The Commercial Press

Author : (Bun-CHing CHOW

Cover Design : Chun-Lan Lau

Publisher : The Commercial Press (H.K.) Ltd.

8/F., Eastern Central Plaza, 3 Yiu Hing Rd.,

Shau Kei Wan, H.K.

Printer : MAXWEN Digital Printing Ltd.

Unit2,7/F” Blk. B, Mai Hing Ind. Bldg.,

16-18 Hing Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Kin., H.K.

Edition : First edition Fourth Printing Aug. 2010

©2007 The Commercial Press (H.K.) Ltd.

ISBN 978 962 07 1824 3

in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without prior

permission in writing from the copyright holder.

parts of the book.

suggestions and advice.

cooperation and graphic designs.

My gratitude also goes to my dear friends, several generations of students and

colleagues who have supported me throughout the years.

time to finish it.

principally designed for newcomers to Hong Kong (especially international students)

can immediately be put to use in daily life.

WtJ “Essential Basic Conversation” covers 7 conversations on special topics of the

1. Cantonese, the Language

2. Cantonese Sound System

3. Immediately Useful Expressions

1. Cantonese, the Language

“Yue 專” dialect. In China, Mandarin, also known as Putonghua 普通話，is

3) Its written form shares a similar writing system of “characters” as other

5) There are various forms of Cantonese, with different accents in different

regions, e.g. Chungshan ^ Jj form, Xinhui 新會 form，etc.

expressions are constantly emerging.*

2. Where is Cantonese used or spoken?

considered the home of the purest form of Cantonese.

2) Western Guangdong Province 廣東省，including the Pearl River Delta.

3) Southern half of Guangxi Province 廣西省，adjoining the province of

Guangdong to the west.

4) Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong 香港特別行政區一 the

common language of the majority of the ethnic Chinese population. Through

the cultural center of Cantonese.

6) South-East Asia where Chinese communities have settled, such as Cambodia,

Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

around North America and Europe. Due to the migration of Cantonese

is the dominant language in overseas Chinese communities.

worldwide. That makes it the 16th most widely/commonly-spoken language in

the world! (Source: Encyclopedia Britannica Online，2007)

4) “T6 hn g Wa 唐IS” - Tang speech (Tang: a dynasty at 618-907)

China) are similar in some ways but different in others.

character represents one syllable. The majority of Cantonese and Mandarin

words are made up of two or more characters in combination.

the same grammar in their language.

1) Firstly, Mandarin is both a spoken and written variety of Chinese, which is

used all across China, while Cantonese is generally considered a spoken

dialect only used in a specific region of southern China.

2) Secondly, Mandarin has an officially recognized phonetic transcription system

understand/use. For Cantonese, while many different romanization systems

are in use by foreigners, none of them is used commonly by native Cantonese

3) Finally, Cantonese shares a similar writing system of “characters” as

characters. Mainland China has been using a set of simplified characters