Cantonese, a variety of the Chinese language spoken in Hong Kong, Macau, and parts of Guangdong province, has its unique vocabulary and expressions. If you’re interested in learning how to say “cash” in Cantonese, this guide will provide you with the formal and informal ways, along with some tips and examples. Whether you’re a traveler, doing business, or simply curious, let’s dive into the world of Cantonese vocabulary related to cash.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Cash
In formal Cantonese, you can use the following phrase to express the concept of “cash”:
1. 銀錢 (ngan4 cin2)
This phrase combines the characters 銀 (ngan4), meaning “silver,” and 錢 (cin2), meaning “money.” Though the literal translation is “silver money,” it represents the concept of “cash” in Cantonese.
Informal Ways to Say Cash
In informal Cantonese, which is commonly used in daily conversations, there are some alternative expressions for “cash”:
1. 現金 (jin6 gam1)
The term “現金” is widely used in Hong Kong and represents the idea of “cash” in a more colloquial manner. It literally translates to “current money” or “money in hand.”
2. 現銀 (jin6 ngan4)
Similar to “現金,” the term “現銀” also means “cash.” It combines the characters 現 (jin6), meaning “current” or “immediate,” and 銀 (ngan4), meaning “silver.” This expression is commonly used in both Hong Kong and Guangdong province.
3. 現款 (jin6 fun2)
Another informal way to refer to “cash” in Cantonese is by using the term “現款.” It combines the characters 現 (jin6), meaning “current” or “immediate,” and 款 (fun2), meaning “funds” or “money.”
Tips and Examples
Here are some tips and examples to further enhance your understanding of how to use these phrases:
1. Usage in Context
Example 1: When paying at a store, you can say “我用現金。” (ngo5 jung6 jin6 gam1)
Translation: “I’m paying with cash.”Example 2: If someone asks you how you prefer to receive payment, you can say “請用現銀支付。” (cing2 jung6 jin6 ngan4 zyu3 fai3)
Translation: “Please pay in cash.”Example 3: When discussing financial matters, you can say “這筆交易以銀錢結算。” (ze5 bat1 gaau1 jik6 ji5 ngan4 cin2 git3 syun3)
Translation: “This transaction is settled with cash.”
2. Informal Conversations
In informal conversations, such as among friends or in more relaxed situations, you can use any of the informal expressions mentioned above. These are suitable for casual interactions and less formal settings.
3. Regional Variations
The phrases mentioned earlier are commonly used in both Hong Kong and Guangdong province. However, it’s important to note that there might be slight regional variations in terms of pronunciation and usage. For example, some regions may use “錢” (cin2) instead of “款” (fun2). Therefore, it’s always good to pay attention to the specific dialects and accents in different areas.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned various ways to say “cash” in Cantonese, both formally and informally. Remember to use “銀錢” (ngan4 cin2) in formal contexts and choose one of the informal phrases like “現金” (jin6 gam1), “現銀” (jin6 ngan4), or “現款” (jin6 fun2) for everyday conversations. Keep practicing these phrases, and you’ll be able to comfortably discuss cash-related matters with Cantonese speakers. Enjoy your language journey!
