Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “I am hungry” in Cantonese! Whether you’re visiting Hong Kong, Guangzhou, or simply interested in the Cantonese language, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll provide you with both formal and informal ways to express your hunger in Cantonese, as well as some helpful tips, regional variations, and examples. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
If you are in a formal setting or speaking with someone you don’t know well, it’s best to use the following phrases:
1. 我肚餓 (ngo5 tou5 o1)
The phrase “我肚餓” is a formal way to say “I am hungry” in Cantonese. It directly translates to “my stomach is hungry.” This expression is commonly used in formal situations or when speaking to someone who is older or in a higher position of authority.
For example:
Person A: 你想吃點心嗎？(nei5 soeng2 sik6 dim2 sam1 maa3?)
Person B: 唔該，我肚餓，多謝你。(m4 goi1, ngo5 tou5 o1, do1 ze6 nei5.)
Translation:
Person A: Would you like to have some snacks?
Person B: Thank you, I am hungry, and I appreciate it.
2. 我好餓 (ngo5 hou2 o1)
Another formal expression to say “I am hungry” is “我好餓.” This phrase means “I am very hungry” and is appropriate to use when you want to emphasize your hunger politely.
For example:
Person A: 嗰間餐廳有好多美食，你想唔想試吓？(go2 gaan1 caan1 teng1 jau5 hou2 do1 mei5 sik6, nei5 soeng2 m4 soeng2 si3 haa5?)
Person B: 我好餓啊！好想試試。(ngo5 hou2 o1 aa3! hou2 soeng2 si3 si3.)
Translation:
Person A: That restaurant has lots of delicious food, would you like to try it?
Person B: I am very hungry! I really want to try it.
Informal Expressions:
When you are in a casual setting with friends, family, or peers, you can use the following informal expressions:
1. 我肚餓死嘞 (ngo5 tou5 o1 sei2 laa1)
The expression “我肚餓死嘞” is an informal way to say “I am hungry” in Cantonese. It includes the word “死” (sei2), which is a colloquial intensifier. This phrase is commonly used among friends and younger individuals.
For example:
Person A: 食嘢未呀？(sik6 je5 mei6 aa3?)
Person B: 我肚餓死嘞，咱地揾間餐廳啦！(ngo5 tou5 o1 sei2 laa1, zaam6 dei6 wan2 gaan1 caan1 teng1 laa1!)
Translation:
Person A: Have you eaten yet?
Person B: I am starving! Let’s find a restaurant!
2. 我好餓死 (ngo5 hou2 o1 sei2)
Another informal way to express your hunger is by saying “我好餓死.” This phrase is similar to the formal one mentioned earlier but includes the colloquial intensifier “死” (sei2), emphasizing your extreme hunger in a casual manner.
For example:
Person A: 食緊咩？(sik6 gan2 me1?)
Person B: 我好餓死，想食炸雞翅。(ngo5 hou2 o1 sei2, soeng2 sik6 zaa1 gai1 ci1.)
Translation:
Person A: What are you eating?
Person B: I am extremely hungry and craving fried chicken wings.
Tips:
Now that we’ve covered the formal and informal expressions to say “I am hungry” in Cantonese, here are some additional tips to enhance your language skills:
1. Tone and Pronunciation:
Pay attention to the tones when speaking Cantonese. The phrases provided in this guide use Jyutping romanization and mostly fall under the “Yale” system. Practice the correct pronunciation to ensure clarity and effective communication.
2. Nonverbal Cues:
In Cantonese culture, nonverbal cues are essential for effective communication. If you’re feeling hungry, you can rub your stomach slightly while saying the phrases to emphasize your hunger nonverbally.
3. Learning Regional Vocabulary:
Cantonese may have slight regional variations in vocabulary and pronunciation. This guide focuses on standard Cantonese used in Hong Kong and Guangzhou. However, if you’re planning to visit a specific region, it can be helpful to learn and incorporate local vocabulary to enhance your language skills.
In Conclusion:
Now you have a comprehensive guide on how to say “I am hungry” in Cantonese. Remember to adjust your expressions based on the formality of the situation and the people you are speaking to. Practice the pronunciation and observe nonverbal cues to enhance your communication skills. Enjoy exploring the vibrant Cantonese culture and its delicious cuisine!
