我係中國人
ngo5 hai6 zung1 gwok3 jan4
The phrase "I am chinese" in Cantonese is 我係中國人 (ngo5 hai6 zung1 gwok3 jan4).
This phrase is used to identify one's nationality as being from the country of China. It is important to note that using this phrase identifies your nationality, which is distinct from stating that you are ethnically Han Chinese (漢族人).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 我 (I), 係 (am), 中國 (China) and 人 (person).
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 係 is used to express "to be" in this declarative statement of identity.
How do you pronounce it?
ngo5 hai6 zung1 gwok3 jan4
Did you know?
- While 中國 translates to 'China', the literal meaning of the characters is 'Middle Kingdom', reflecting a historical view of the country as the center of the world.
- Depending on the context, a Cantonese speaker might use 我係華人 (I am ethnic Chinese) to describe their heritage regardless of which passport they hold.
- In many formal written contexts, Cantonese speakers will use Mandarin-style grammar even if they pronounce the words with Cantonese tones.
Examples in context
- 我係中國人。ngo5 hai6 zung1 gwok3 jan4.I am Chinese.
Example conversation
Two people are meeting for the first time at a party.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting你好，你係邊度嚟㗎？nei5 hou2, nei5 hai6 bin1 dou6 lei4 gaa3?Hello, where are you from?
- 志強 Chi Keung你好，我係中國人。nei5 hou2, ngo5 hai6 zung1 gwok3 jan4.Hello, I am Chinese.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting真係咩？我都係！zan1 hai6 me1? ngo5 dou1 hai6!Really? I am too!
- 志強 Chi Keung太好喇，好高興認識你。taai3 hou2 laa3, hou2 gou1 hing3 yin6 sik1 nei5.That's great, nice to meet you.
