So, you’ve landed in Hong Kong. Excellent decision. You’re now in a land of skyscrapers, steamy noodle bowls, double-decker trams and more escalators than your legs ever asked for. While plenty of locals speak English, knowing a bit of Cantonese will earn you smiles, quicker service and possibly an extra fishball if you’re charming enough.
Grab your notepad and your best attempt at tonal pronunciation because Cantonese has six tones and one wrong inflection might turn “thank you” into “please stop shouting”. Here are ten handy phrases to help you navigate Hong Kong like a confident, dim sum-loving hero.
1. Hello
👋 Nei hou
(Pronunciation: nay ho)
A simple greeting works wonders. Say it to shopkeepers, hotel staff or the auntie selling egg waffles. You’ll sound friendly and instantly more local.
2. Thank you (for service)
🙏 Mm goi
(Pronunciation: mm goy)
Use this when someone helps you, gives directions or hands over your milk tea. It’s the polite everyday thank you.
3. Thank you (for gifts)
🎁 Doh jeh
(Pronunciation: doh jeh)
Different from the previous thank you. Use this if someone gives you a present or treats you to a meal. Cantonese is fancy like that.
4. Excuse me
🙋 Mm goi
(Pronunciation: mm goy)
Yes, it’s the same sound as “thank you for service”. Blame the tones. Use it to get someone’s attention or to shuffle past people on the MTR without looking rude.
5. How much is this
💰 Gei doh cin a
(Pronunciation: gay doh chin ah)
You’ll need this when bargaining at markets or when staring nervously at bird’s nest soup prices.
6. Very tasty
😋 Hou hou sik
(Pronunciation: ho ho sick)
Say this when your dim sum hits all the right notes. Guaranteed to make restaurant staff beam with pride.
7. I don’t understand
😐 Ngo mh ming baak
(Pronunciation: ngoh mm ming bark)
Use this when Cantonese becomes a beautiful but unintelligible symphony.
8. Where is the MTR
🚇 MTR hai bīn dou
(Pronunciation: M-T-R hi bean doe)
Trust us. You’ll take the MTR more than you check your messages.
9. Toilet, please
🚻 Chi soh hai bīn dou
(Pronunciation: chee saw hi bean doe)
Essential when exploring the city and suddenly realising that milk tea has consequences.
10. Can you help me
🆘 Ho yi bong ngo ma
(Pronunciation: ho yee bong ngoh ma)
Locals are helpful and will often go out of their way to guide you. Just ask nicely and try not to panic.
Final Dim-Sum Thoughts
Sprinkling a little Cantonese into your travels is like adding soy sauce to noodles. You can survive without it, but life is richer when you try. Even if your tones wobble like jelly on a hot day, locals will appreciate the effort and reward you with warm smiles and smoother adventures.
So practise these phrases, speak boldly and remember: dim sum waits for no one.
