What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 點樣講 is composed of 點樣 (dim2 joeng6), which means 'how' or 'in what way' and 講 (gong2), which means 'to say' or 'to speak'.
Which one should you use?
The form 點樣講 is the standard colloquial way to ask this question in spoken Cantonese. In contrast, a more formal written-style version would use 怎樣說.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
點樣講 is a colloquial expression. For a more informal or shortened version, you can use 點講. If you wish to be more polite and formal, use 請問點樣講, which means 'May I ask how to say'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To ask for a specific word, place the English word or the concept you are curious about immediately after the phrase: 點樣講 [word].
How do you pronounce it?
dim2 joeng6 gong2
When do people say it?
To make your inquiry more polite and respectful, you can add 唔該 (please) at the beginning of your sentence.
Did you know?
- If you use the written form 怎樣說 instead of the spoken 點樣講, you may sound like an announcer or a character in a formal period drama.
- In fast-paced Hong Kong street Cantonese, the phrase 點樣講 is often compressed into the even shorter 點講, making it sound like a single rhythmic unit.
- In many Cantonese-speaking environments, people will often answer your 點樣講 question by providing the word and then immediately using it in a sentence to demonstrate the correct tone.
Examples in context
- 呢個字點樣講？ni1 go3 zi6 dim2 joeng2 gong2?How do you say this word?
- 「Apple」廣東話點樣講？「Apple」 gwong2 dung1 waa2 dim2 joeng2 gong2?How do you say "Apple" in Cantonese?
- 呢句英文點樣講？ni1 geoi3 jing1 man2 dim2 joeng2 gong2?How do you say this English sentence?
Example conversation
Zi Kin is asking Mei Ling for help with a Cantonese expression.
- 子健 Tsz Kin美玲，呢個詞點樣講？mei5 ling4, ni1 go3 ci4 dim2 joeng2 gong2?Mei Ling, how do you say this term?
- 美玲 Mei Ling你想點樣講？nei5 soeng2 dim2 joeng2 gong2?How do you want to say it?
- 子健 Tsz Kin我想學點樣講得自然啲。ngo5 soeng2 hok6 dim2 joeng2 gong2 dak1 zi6 jin4 di1.I want to learn how to say it more naturally.
- 美玲 Mei Ling冇問題，我教你。mou5 man4 tai4, ngo5 gaau3 nei5.No problem, I will teach you.
