對唔住 / 对唔住
deoi³ m⁴ zyu⁶
In Cantonese, "excuse me" can be expressed as 對唔住 / 对唔住 (deoi³ m⁴ zyu⁶) or 唔好意思.
Meaning: sorry, as apology (noun)
Ways to say it
| Cantonese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 對唔住 / 对唔住 | deoi³ m⁴ zyu⁶ |
| 唔好意思 | m⁴ hou² ji³ si¹ |
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 唔好意思 literally translates to 'not having a good feeling/meaning' regarding a situation, implying a sense of social awkwardness or embarrassment.
Which one should you use?
Use 唔好意思 to get someone's attention, to pass through a crowd or to apologize for small social slips. Use 唔好意思 as a polite way to interrupt someone or to ask a stranger for directions.
How do you pronounce it?
deoi³ m⁴ zyu⁶
Did you know?
- The word '意思' (meaning/intent) in 唔好意思 is also used in the phrase '好意思' (to have the nerve/audacity). This shows the linguistic connection between having a 'good meaning' and being socially bold or shameless.
- In Hong Kong, 唔好意思 is frequently used to politely decline an offer or a request. It functions as a social 'buffer' to soften the blow of saying 'no' without being blunt.
- Cantonese speakers may repeat 唔好意思 multiple times in a single sentence to increase the level of politeness. This repetition signals a deeper sense of humility when asking for a significant favor.
Examples in context
- 唔好意思，我蕩失咗路。Excuse me, I'm lost.This sentence shows how to use 唔好意思 when explaining you are lost.Tatoeba #793866 by nickyeow, translation #51482 by autuno
- 唔好意思，你介唔介意講多次呀?Excuse me, would you mind repeating that?This sentence shows how to use 唔好意思 when asking someone to repeat themselves.Tatoeba #11921589 by bearyung, translation #51492 by CK
- 唔好意思呀，我想問地鐵站點去呀？Excuse me, but could you tell me the way to the station?This sentence shows how to use 唔好意思 when asking a stranger for directions.Tatoeba #5949129 by nickyeow, translation #51431 by Dejo
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “excuse me” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
