Guangzhou

💬

Common Phrases

Sections

1. Greetings and Basic Phrases

In Guangzhou, greetings are an essential part of polite communication. While Cantonese is the local language, Mandarin is often used in formal or business settings.

Common Phrases in Cantonese:

  • Hello: 你好 (Néih hóu)

    • Pronunciation: "Nay-ho" (with a rising tone on "ho")
    • Cultural Tip: A simple "Néih hóu" is polite and friendly. Locals appreciate it when foreigners attempt to speak Cantonese.

  • How are you?: 你好嗎? (Néih hóu ma?)

    • Pronunciation: "Nay-ho ma?" (rising tone on "ma")
    • Response: 我好好，多謝! (Ngóh hóu hóu, dōjeh!) – "I’m very well, thank you!"

  • Thank you:

    • For a service or favor: 多謝 (Dōjeh)
      • Pronunciation: "Daw-jeh" (falling tone on "jeh")
    • For a gift: 唔該 (Mh'gōi)
      • Pronunciation: "Mm-goy" (neutral tone on "mm," rising tone on "goy")
    • Cultural Tip: Use the correct version of "thank you" depending on the context.

  • Goodbye: 再見 (Jóigin)

    • Pronunciation: "Joy-geen" (falling tone on "geen")

  • Excuse me / Sorry: 唔好意思 (Mh'hóu yisi)

    • Pronunciation: "Mm-ho yee-see" (neutral tone on "mm," rising tone on "see")

Common Phrases in Mandarin:

  • Hello: 你好 (Nǐ hǎo)
  • Thank you: 谢谢 (Xièxiè)
  • Goodbye: 再见 (Zàijiàn)
  • Sorry: 对不起 (Duìbùqǐ)

2. Transportation

Guangzhou has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, taxis, and the metro. Knowing a few key phrases can make getting around much easier.

Common Phrases in Cantonese:

  • Where is the metro station?: 地鐵站喺邊度? (Deihtit jaahm hái bīndouh?)

    • Pronunciation: "Day-teet jahm hai been-doh?"

  • How much is the fare?: 幾多錢? (Géi dō chín?)

    • Pronunciation: "Gay daw cheen?"

  • I want to go to [destination].: 我要去[目的地]. (Ngóh yiu heui [destination].)

    • Pronunciation: "Ngaw yew hoy [destination]."

  • Stop here, please.: 喺呢度停, 唔該. (Hái nī douh tìhng, mh'gōi.)

    • Pronunciation: "Hai nee doh ting, mm-goy."

Cultural Tips:

  • Taxis in Guangzhou often use meters, but it’s good to confirm the fare or show the address in Chinese characters to avoid confusion.
  • The metro is efficient and announcements are made in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English.

3. Dining

Guangzhou is famous for its Cantonese cuisine, including dim sum and street food. Dining etiquette is important, and knowing a few phrases can enhance your experience.

Common Phrases in Cantonese:

  • I would like to order.: 我要落單. (Ngóh yiu lohk dāan.)

    • Pronunciation: "Ngaw yew lok dahn."

  • What do you recommend?: 有咩好介紹? (Yáuh mē hóu gaaisiu?)

    • Pronunciation: "Yow meh ho guy-sew?"

  • The bill, please.: 埋單, 唔該. (Màaih dāan, mh'gōi.)

    • Pronunciation: "My dahn, mm-goy."

  • This is delicious!: 呢個好好味! (Nī go hóu hóu meih!)

    • Pronunciation: "Nee gaw ho ho may!"

Cultural Tips:

  • Sharing dishes is common in Cantonese dining culture. Avoid ordering individual portions unless dining alone.
  • Tipping is not customary in most restaurants in Guangzhou.

4. Shopping

Guangzhou is a major hub for wholesale markets and shopping. Bargaining is common in markets, but less so in malls.

Common Phrases in Cantonese:

  • How much is this?: 呢個幾多錢? (Nī go géi dō chín?)

    • Pronunciation: "Nee gaw gay daw cheen?"

  • Can it be cheaper?: 可唔可以平啲? (Hó mh'hóyih pèhng dī?)

    • Pronunciation: "Ho mm-hoy peng dee?"

  • I don’t want it.: 我唔要. (Ngóh mh'yiu.)

    • Pronunciation: "Ngaw mm-yew."

  • Do you accept credit cards?: 收唔收信用卡? (Sāu mh'sāu seun yuhng kāat?)

    • Pronunciation: "Sow mm-sow sun-yong kaht?"

Cultural Tips:

  • Bargaining is expected in markets, but always remain polite and friendly.
  • Cash is still widely used, but mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay are extremely popular.

5. Additional Tips for Communication

  • Tones Matter: Cantonese is a tonal language with nine tones, so the meaning of a word can change depending on the tone. Practice listening and mimicking native speakers.
  • Body Language: Avoid pointing with your finger; use your whole hand instead. This is considered more polite.
  • Patience: Locals are generally understanding if you make mistakes, and they appreciate the effort to speak their language.

6. Resources for Learning

  • Phrasebooks:

    • Lonely Planet’s "Cantonese Phrasebook & Dictionary" (~$10–15 USD) is a great resource.

  • Apps:

    • Pleco: A highly recommended app for learning Chinese characters and phrases. Free with optional paid add-ons.
    • HelloTalk: Connects you with native speakers for language exchange.
    • Duolingo: Offers basic Mandarin lessons (not Cantonese-specific).

  • Online Videos:

    • YouTube channels like "Learn Cantonese with CantoneseClass101" provide free lessons.

  • Local Classes:

    • Language schools in Guangzhou often offer Cantonese and Mandarin courses. Prices vary but typically start at ~$100 USD for a beginner course.

7. Local Nuances and Practices

  • Code-Switching: Many locals switch between Cantonese and Mandarin depending on the situation. If you’re unsure which to use, start with Mandarin.
  • Politeness: Politeness is highly valued in Cantonese culture. Always say "mh'gōi" or "dōjeh" when appropriate.
  • Written Chinese: Guangzhou uses traditional Chinese characters in some contexts, but simplified characters are more common.

By learning these phrases and cultural tips, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate Guangzhou and connect with its people. Enjoy your time in this dynamic city!