Being one of the Asian Tigers, surely, you’re wondering about their jobs 工作 | Gung1 Zok3. But first, let us learn some Cantonese jobs vocabulary.
Did you know that Hong Kong has the second most number of billionaires in the world? Yes, it’s actually next to Hong Kong. So it is not surprising if you know that their GDP is 346.6 billion USD in the year 2020. You are probably wondering what makes them wealthy, right? Well, it’s because of the low taxation, well-established international financial market, and busy port trades.
Because of this, many people want to go to Hong Kong to find opportunities even though it is one of the cities where the cost of living is really expensive. So, if you’re trying to find a job in Hong Kong, let’s first have some fun learning about Cantonese jobs vocabulary for free.
What’s The Cantonese Word For Job?
The first Cantonese jobs vocabulary that we shouldn’t miss is learning to say the word “job” in the Cantonese language. Check out the word below:
工作 (Gung1 Zok3)
In Hong Kong, this is the word you’ll hear from the locals when they say “jobs.” However, you can also hear some say 職業 jik1 yip6, which is the Cantonese term for occupation or career.
However, while you are searching the net, you might encounter words like gōng chéng shī, shè yǐng shī, and lǎo shī. These are not Cantonese, and it’s Mandarin, another Chinese language spoken in Mainland China. If you want to know more about the difference between Mandarin and Cantonese, check this link.
Naming Common Jobs In Cantonese Language
If you’re heading to Hong Kong, there are probably two main reasons; it’s either for traveling or money.
We cannot deny the fact that Hong Kong is one of the most visited countries in the world because of its beautiful culture and tourist spots. But, what attracts people more is the career opportunities and occupations available. So, as part of learning Cantonese jobs vocabulary, let’s learn some jobs.
You recently learned how to say jobs 工作 (Gung1 Zok3) in Cantonese, now let me give you a few of the highest-paying jobs in Hong Kong. Don’t worry; the English translations are also included, so it will be easy for you to learn. Take note. Pronunciation is really important when you’re learning Chinese. So whether it’s Cantonese or Mandarin, make sure to get the pronunciation right.
行政總裁 (Hang4 Zing3 Zung2 Coi4)
English Translation: CEO
With the number of billionaires in Hong Kong, it is undeniable that being a CEO of companies, both local and international, is one of the primary factors which contributes to their success. A CEO of a large company in Hong Kong can earn 1 million or 2 million USD per year. Of course, it depends on the industry. Yes, it really takes hard work and long-term experience, as well as influence in climbing up to this position.
金融 (Gam1 Jung4)
English Translation: Finance
Another high-paying industry in Hong Kong is Finance. This is not surprising since it’s one of Hong Kong’s greatest strengths in the economic sector. In Hong Kong, this is where good grades pay off because if you have graduated with high grades and applied to banks, they will most likely take you in, but of course, it still depends on other factors like interviews and experiences. If you join this type of industry, you can make 4,000 to 5,000 USD per month. If you get lucky to work with big clients, then you can earn more.
Some foreigners seek opportunities in the finance sector for professional gains and experiences since they are known to be one of the countries with high GDP.
律師 (Leot6 Si1)
English Translation: Lawyer
Being a lawyer in Hong Kong can really earn you a lot of money but it also depends on your specialty. Most highly paid lawyers works as a company or family lawyer of big companies or influential people. A lawyer who works in international firms in Hong Kong earns more than a junior lawyer who works in a local firm and can make 4,000 to 5,000 USD per month.
醫生 (Ji1 Sang1)
English Translation: Medical Doctor
In Hong Kong, being a medical doctor is the real deal. If you work as a medical doctor in this country, you can easily make 8, 000 USD or more depending on your experiences. Though studying medicine really takes time, it will soon pay off when you’re in the actual field.
資訊科技 (Zi1 Seon3 Fo1 Gei6)
English Translation: Information Technology
As the world goes global, the industry of Information Technology becomes in demand in Hong Kong. But you have to know that when you start at the bottom, you’re most likely to receive a low salary, but the pay gets higher if you’re promoted to higher positions. It also depends on the industry you’re working with.
Aside from learning some Cantonese Jobs vocabulary, you may also want to learn some Basic Words and Phrases in Cantonese, Introducing Yourself in Cantonese, and Basic Greetings in Cantonese. This will help you keep on track of what’s happening in the workplace.
Aside from learning some Cantonese Jobs vocabulary, you may also want to learn some basic words and phrases in Cantonese, introducing yourself in Cantonese, and basic greetings in Cantonese. This will help you keep on track of what’s happening in the workplace.
Other Jobs In Cantonese Language
Now that you have learned about the highest-paying jobs in Hong Kong, let’s widen your vocabulary about Cantonese jobs vocabulary with a list of other jobs in Cantonese. This may not be a complete list but it’s good for starters. You may also want to check Talent List Hong Kong for more information.
| Cantonese | Jyutping | English Translation |
| 會計師 | wui6 gai3 si1 | accountant |
| 運動員 | wan6 dung6 yun4 | athlete |
| 演員 | yin2 yun4 | actor |
| 建築師 | gin3 juk1 si1 | architect |
| 藝術家 | ngai6 seot6 gaa1 | artist |
| 太空人 | taai3 hung1 yan4 | astronaut |
| 天文學家 | tin1 man4 hok6 ga1 | astronomer |
| 考古學家 | haau2 gu2 hok6 ga1 | archeologist |
| 作家 | haau2 gu2 hok6 ga1 | archeologist |
| 作家 | zok3 gaa1 | author |
| 空中小姐 | hung1 jung1 siu2 je2 | air stewardess |
| 助手 | jo6 sau2 | assistant |
| 副經理 | fu3 ging1 lei5 | assistant manager |
| 髮型師 | faat3 ying4 si1 | barber |
| 生意人 | saang1 ji3 jan4 | businessman |
| 銀行家 | ngan4 hong4 gaa1 | banker |
| 銀行職員 | ngan4 hong4 zik1 jyun4 | bank staff |
| 老板 | lou5 baan2 | boss |
| 書法家 | syu1 faat3 ga1 | calligrapher |
| 公務員 | gung1 mou6 yun4 | civil servant |
| 文員 | man4 jyun4 | clerk |
| 教練 | man4 jyun4 | clerk |
| 教練 | gaau3 lin6 | coach |
| 廚師 | cyu4 si1 | chef |
| 公司總裁 | gung1 si1 zung2 coi4 | company president |
| 地盤工人 | dei6 pun4 gung1 jan4 | construction worker |
| 木工 | muk6 gung1 | carpenter |
| 清潔工人 | ching1 git3 gung1 yan4 | cleaner |
| 收銀員 | sau1 ngan2 jyun4 | cashier |
| 速遞仔 | cuk1 dai6 zai2 | courier guy |
| 上司 | seung6 si1 | direct superior |
| 舞蹈員 | mou5 dou6 jyun4 | dancer |
| 牙醫 | nga4 yi1 | dentist |
| 司機 | si1 gei1 | driver |
| 送貨員 | sung3 fo3 yun4 | delivery worker |
| 設計師 | chit3 gai3 si1 | designer |
| 僱員 | gu3 jyun4 | employee |
| 僱主 | gu3 zyu2 | employer |
| 美容師 | mei5 yung4 si1 | esthetician |
| 工程師 | gung1 ching4 si1 | engineer |
| 電工 | din6 gung1 | electrician |
| 空中服務員 | hung1 jung1 fuk6 mou6 yun4 | flight attendant |
| 消防員 | siu1 fong4 jyun4 | firefighter |
| 農夫 | nung4 fu1 | farmer |
| 漁夫 | yu4 fu1 | fisherman |
| 傳譯員 | cyun4 jik6 jyun4 | interpreter |
| 保險經紀 | bou2 him2 ging1 gei2 | insurance agent |
| 裁判 | coi4 pun3 | judge |
| 記者 | gei3 je2 | reporter/ journalist |
| 圖書管理員 | tou4 syu1 gun2 lei5 yun4 | librarian |
| 救生員 | gau3 sang1 jyun4 | lifeguard |
| 經理 | ging1 lei5 | manager |
| 機器匠 | gei1 hei3 zoeng6 | mechanic |
| 音樂人 | jam1 ngok6 jan4 | musician |
| 化妝師 | faa3 zong1 si1 | makeup artist |
| 護士 | wu6 si6 | nurse |
| 牧師 | muk6 si1 | pastor/ priest (for Christians) |
| 神父 | san4 fu6 | pastor/ priest (for Catholic) |
| 警察 | ging2 caat3 | police |
| 教授 | gaau3 sau6 | professor |
| 校長 | haau6 zoeng2 | principal |
| 總統 | zung2 tung2 | president |
| 郵差 | yau4 chaai1 | postman |
| 警察 | ging2 chaat3 | police officer |
| 藥劑師 | joek6 zai1 si1 | pharmacist |
| 健身教練 | gin6 san1 gaau3 lin6 | personal trainer |
| 攝影師 | sip3 ying2 si1 | photographer |
| 救護員 | gau3 wu6 yun4 | paramedics |
| 職員 | zik1 jyun4 | staff |
| 社工 | se5 gung1 | social worker |
| 秘書 書記 |
bei3 syu1 syu1 gei3 |
secretary |
| 保安 | bou2 on1 | security guard |
| 科學家 | fo1 hok6 ga1 | scientist |
| 士兵 | si2 bing1 | soldier |
| 裁縫 | choi4 fung2 | tailor |
| 學生 | hok6 saang1 | student |
| 導遊 | dou6 yau4 | tour guide |
| 技術員 | gei6 seut6 yun4 | technician |
| 先生 老師 |
sin1 saang1 lou5 si1 |
teacher |
| 獸醫 | sau3 ji1 | veterinarian |
Next Lesson: Other Words And Phrases Related To Jobs In Cantonese
Learning about Cantonese jobs vocabulary isn’t complete without learning some words, phrases, and sentences. So, here are examples of additional vocabulary to learn for free.
| Cantonese | Jyutping | English Translation |
| 無業 | mou4 yip6 | unemployed |
| 面試 | min6 si5 | job interview |
| 見工 | gin3 gung1 | to go to a job interview |
| 入行 | jap6 hong4 | to enter an industry |
| 應聘 | jing3 ping3 | to apply for a position |
| 做嘢 | zou6 je5 | to work |
| 教 | gaau3 | to teach |
| 佢 係 一 個 出 名 嘅 藝 術 家。 | keui5 hai6 yat1 go3 cheut1 meng2 ge3 ngai6 seut6 ga1。 | He is a famous artist. |
| 我 爸 爸 係 一 個 律 師。 | ngo5 ba4 ba1 hai6 yat1 go3 leut6 si1。 | My father is a lawyer. |
| 佢 係 一 個 工 程 師。 | keui5 hai6 yat1 go3 gung1 ching4 si1。 | He is an engineer. |
| 佢 係 一 個 生 意 人。 | keui5 hai6 yat1 go3 saang1 yi3 yan4 | He is a businessman. |
| 我哋點解要請你？ | ngo5 dei6 dim2 gaai2 jiu3 ceng2 nei5? | Why should we hire you? |
Improve Your Language Skills Using Your Mobile Device
Hong Kong is incredibly rich. That’s why many people want to find opportunities there. But, according to some foreigners who previously worked there, learning Cantonese is a really important part to consider if you’re going to work in Hong Kong. So my recommendation is to learn Cantonese and other languages through Ling App.
With lots of lessons provided, you can learn languages in a short period of time. Ling App picked the essential group of words and phrases arranged in categories that are used in daily conversation with your friends, colleagues, and even strangers.
Ling App can surely help you improve your language skills such as listening, reading, and writing skills.
Ling App uses smart flashcards where you can read words, phrases, and sentences (written in the Cantonese language with their meaning), with audio recordings from native speakers.
You can learn and play at the same time. because Ling App has a gamification feature that will keep you engaged and motivated. It is also a way to help you track your progress. If you got wrong answers, you could always repeat them to master what you have learned.
Learning languages is a matter of choice. If you want to know more information about Ling App, you can visit the site. Upon reaching this part, it is already a sign that you are now ready to flip the page of your life and start learning Cantonese. So, go get your mobile phone and download Ling on the Play Store or App Store now.
