Learning how to say how are you in Cantonese will be really helpful if you want to visit Hong Kong or you just want to learn Cantonese. This is one of the easiest but also one of the most essential words to learn as a beginner. Today we will be exploring 5 easy ways to say how are you in cantonese.
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How To Say How Are You In Cantonese
Ready to visit Hong Kong and not sure how to navigate the exciting but complete different asian city?! No worries, we will help you by learning some useful guides and language that make your trip unforgetable! To begin with, here are words and phrases that native Cantonese speakers use when asking someone how are you in Cantonese:
1. 你好嗎?(néih hóu maa/ nei5 hou2 maa3)
It literally means “How are you?” in English.
This can be used when asking people about their well-being or greeting someone hello.
2. 你最近點呀? (neih zeoi gan dim aa?/nei5 zeoi3 gan6 dim2 aa3? )
The English translation of this phrase is “How have you been recently?”.
Asking someone what is his/her current situation will somehow give them a warm feeling because they know that somebody cared for them.
3. 所有嘢OK?(so jau je OK? /so2 jau5 je5 OK?)
The English translation of this expression is “Is everything going fine?”.
This is also a nice way to ask about other people’s current situation. This may also land into other topics and they will be able to share something about their current life situation like recent accomplishments and even problems.
4. 你今日點呀?(nei gam jat dim aa?/ nei5 gam1 jat6 dim2 aa3?)
This Cantonese expression means “How’s your day?” in English.
Many people do not realize the value of asking a person about their day. This is typically asked by parents to their children or spouses to their husband/wife after a long tiring day. We don’t know what a person is dealing with so make it a habit to ask this question to the people around you.
5. 食咗飯未呀?(sihk zo faan mei aa? / sihk6 zo2 faan6 mei6 aa3)
Food and eating well is very important in Chinese culture that is why asking someone 食咗飯未呀 sihk6 zo2 faan6 mei6 aa3? have been a popular greeting among Chinese. This expression means “Have you eaten yet?” in English. Asking someone if they have already eaten is also a way of showing concern to someone. If he/she answered “not yet” (仲未 / zung6 mei6), then it wouldn’t hurt to invite him/her for a nice lunch or dinner. Anyway, Cantonese food is really delicious to eat, so why not?
Now that you already know five ways of asking how are you in Cantonese, try to practice it on your own. Please remember that in the Chinese language, the sounds of each character are really important in the spoken language so try your best to learn the correct Cantonese pronunciation. The romanization is already given to you, anyway. Please remember that practice is key in mastering a certain language.
How To Respond To How Are You In Cantonese
When someone is talking to you, it is a must to answer back. It is the polite thing to show manners and etiquette in Hong Kong. There is nothing wrong with answering using English but speaking the Cantonese language to talk to the local Hong Kongers could definitely warm their hearts. Here is the common response to how are you in Cantonese:
1. 我好好 (ngo5 hou2 hou2 )
Meaning: I’m fine / I’m great
This is the common way of responding to how are you? It is used in both formal and informal conversations. You can also add “Thank you” (多謝。do1 ze6) at the end as a sign of politeness.
2. 我OK啦 (ngo5 OK laa1)
Meaning: I’m okay.
This is also the same as the first one but those who speak English will find this easier since it uses the English word “Ok”.
3. 我幾好 (ngo5 gei2 hou2)
Meaning: I’m not bad.
There are times when you feel not so bad, but not so okay also. This is the perfect response to use.
4. 我情緒好差(ngo5 cing4 seoi5 hou2 caa1)
Meaning: I’m feeling bad.
Having a bad day is only natural. This is the basic expression to use. People will not be okay at times but there’s nothing wrong with it. Just like what they say, “It’s okay not to be okay.”
Aside from having a bad day, there are also times when you are not feeling well. You can say 我覺得唔係好舒服/ ngo5 gok3 dak1 m4 hai6 hou2 syu1 fuk6. which means “I am not feeling well.” Letting someone know that you are not feeling well is very essential in case of an emergency.
5. 我好眼瞓 (ngo5 hou2 ngaan5 fan3)
Meaning: I’m sleepy.
There are times especially during night outs, that you would want to hop into your bed and take a nap or a good sleep. This is the perfect expression for you.
6. 你呢? (nei5 ne1)
Meaning: And you?
This is definitely one of the best ways to respond when somebody asked you “How are you?”. Not only that it is a common response but it also shows politeness. Returning the question is a great way to let someone know that you also care for them.
7. 我都幾好(ngo5 dou1 gei2 hou2.)
Meaning: I’m fine too.
This will definitely come in handy when you will also be asked the same question. This is the easiest way to say it.
8. 多謝關心 (do1 ze6 gwaan1 sam1.)
Meaning: Thank you for asking.
Being asked “How are you?” nowadays is really heart-warming. Knowing that somebody remembered you is something to be thankful for. To express your gratitude, say 多謝關心。 (do1 ze6 gwaan1 sam1.).
Frequently Asked Questions About How Are You In Cantonese
How To Say How Are You In Hong Kong?
In Hong Kong, people would say “你好“ (nei5 hou2)and “你好嗎“ (nei5 hou2 ma) when they greet each other.
How Do I Reply To “How are you” In Hong Kong?
The simple response will be 你好 (nei5 hou2). If its more casual, people would ask “咩事? (me1 si6?)”, this is used among friends to say” what’s up”.
What Are The Common Greetings In Cantonese?
In cantonese, the most common greetings is how are you, “你好嗎“ (nei5 hou2 ma).
If you want to learn more about greetings in cantonese, refer to our blogs!
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