Ready to dive into the world of Cantonese Question Words? Let’s get started!
Have you ever tried to make it through a full day in Hong Kong without asking a single question? It may seem like a fun challenge, but trust me, it’s no easy feat. From finding your way around the bustling city streets to asking for the price of a cool shirt you see in a street vendor, asking questions is essential to navigating daily life in Hong Kong. So, if you’re up for a challenge, give it a try. But be warned; there are a few things you won’t be able to do without using a single question, such as asking for directions, ordering food, or even buying a ticket for public transportation.
Let’s take the simple task of going out for food, for example. Without using a single question, how would you even begin to navigate the vast array of food options in Hong Kong? Would you know what to order? How would you know what’s spicy, what’s vegetarian, or what’s the restaurant’s specialty? It’s a daunting task, to say the least. But fear not, because, in this article, we’re going to explore the Cantonese question words that will help you to ask all the right questions and make the most out of your time in Hong Kong.
Knowing how to formulate questions in any language is essential, but it’s especially important in a city like Hong Kong, where Cantonese is the dominant language. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, being able to ask questions in Cantonese will help you to connect with the locals and gain a deeper understanding of the culture. In this article, we’ll cover the basic question words in Cantonese, including what they mean, how to use them, and some common phrases you can use in everyday situations.
But wait, there’s more! What if you want to discover other parts of this incredible language? Well, at Ling, we have a very complete blog where you can explore more topics than you can probably think of: Do you want to know how to say good morning? We can teach you. Counting in Cantonese? We’ve got that! Slang Words? Don’t tell anyone, but we can also teach you that!
For now, if you’re ready to take on the challenge of navigating Hong Kong without asking a single question, or if you’re simply looking to improve your Cantonese language skills, this article is for you. Get ready to ask all the right questions and unlock the full potential of your time in Hong Kong.
Cantonese Question Words You Must Know
Picture this: I’m in the middle of one of the world’s shopping capitals, Hong Kong, surrounded by incredible stores and countless opportunities to buy anything my heart desires. But there’s just one problem: I can’t ask for the price of anything, as I don’t know any Cantonese questions. It’s like being stranded on a desert island with a pile of treasure but no way to access it. I know I want something, but I have no idea how much it costs or how to ask for it. It’s like a comedy of errors, but with shopping.
The last time I visited Hong Kong, this exact scenario played out several times, and I missed out on buying things that I really wanted because I didn’t know how to ask for the price. It was frustrating, to say the least. But it was also a wake-up call. I realized that I needed to learn the Cantonese question words that are essential for navigating everyday situations in Hong Kong. And so, I set out on a mission to learn as much as I could about Cantonese question words.
In this chapter, I’m going to share the Cantonese question words that you must know if you want to shop, eat, and communicate with ease in Hong Kong. These question words will help you to ask for prices and services, find your way around the city, order food, and so much more.
Along with the list of simple question words (such as “How?”), I’ll also include a few examples of the word being used in a sentence, so you can understand how to apply it in your daily conversation.
How?
Want to know how your friend got that great car? Use this question word and ask him!
When?
What would be of us if we didn’t use the question word “When”? We would be late for meetings, miss movies at the cinema, and could not get together with our friends!
Where?
Another very important question is “where.” Are you lost? “Where are you going”?
Who?
Imagine this: you’re invited to a party, but you’re worried your ex will be there. Use this question word to ask who is going to the party and make sure it won’t be uncomfortable.
| English | Cantonese | Pronunciation | Sound |
| Who? | 誰? | Shui2 ? | |
| Who did that? | 誰做的？ | Shui2 zuo4 de ？ | |
| Who are you? | 你是誰？ | Ni3 shi4 shui2 ？ | |
| Who is there? | 誰在那兒？ | Shui2 zai4 na4 er2 ？ |
What?
Another important question is “what,” and you can use it to ask what your Cantonese friends want to have for dinner!
Why?
Last but not least, the question word “why” can be used to simply ask why we are learning all of this! And the answer is: “because it is fun!”
Over To You
Congratulations! You’ve made it through the chapter on Cantonese question words, and now it’s time to put your new knowledge to the test. Are you ready to get your hands dirty and start using these words in real-life situations? I know it can be intimidating at first, but trust me, the more you practice, the easier it will become.
You may get some strange looks at first as you stumble over the words and your accent isn’t quite 100%, but don’t worry; that’s all part of the learning process. Remember, practice makes perfect, and the more you use these words, the more confident you’ll become. And before you know it, you’ll be speaking Cantonese like a pro.
So, don’t be afraid to start using these question words in the context of your everyday conversations. Ask for directions, order food, and haggle for the best price at the market. The locals will appreciate your effort to speak their language, and you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the culture and people of Hong Kong.
And who knows, you may even start to pick up some local slang and expressions along the way. Before you know it, you’ll literally be speaking true Cantonese. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start practicing your Cantonese question words today!
Learn Cantonese With Ling
If you’re serious about mastering Cantonese question words, then it’s time to take your learning to the next level with the Ling app. With a wide range of interactive exercises, games, and lessons, you’ll be able to practice your Cantonese anytime, anywhere.
Whether you’re on the go or sitting at home, the Ling app is the perfect tool to help you improve your Cantonese language skills. So, what are you waiting for? Download the app today and start your Cantonese language learning journey!
Trust me, your ability to listen and communicate with the locals will drastically improve, and you’ll be able to get the most out of your time in Hong Kong. Plus, who knows, you may even impress your friends with your newfound Cantonese skills.
So, what are you waiting for? Download the Ling app and let the learning begin!
