我想返屋企
ngo5 soeng2 faan1 uk1 kei2
The Cantonese phrase for "I want to go home" is 我想返屋企 (ngo5 soeng2 faan1 uk1 kei2).
我想返屋企 is used both literally when one wishes to return to their residence and figuratively to express a desire to leave a social situation or environment.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 我 (I) + 想 (want to) + 返 (return/go back) + 屋企 (home/family/household).
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 返 (faan1) specifically implies returning to a place one has previously been, rather than just traveling to a destination. The word for home, 屋企 (uk1 kei2), is a noun that functions as a single unit, combining the concepts of house and family/household.
How do you pronounce it?
ngo5 soeng2 faan1 uk1 kei2
Did you know?
- The verb 返 is used not just for going home, but also for going to work, as in 返工. This implies that work is a place one is expected to return to regularly.
- The component 企 (kei2) in 屋企 means 'to stand'. While it is part of the word for home, it is not used as a verb in this context.
- While 屋企 is the most common way to say 'home', you might also hear 家 (gaa1) in more formal contexts, such as when talking about 'family' or 'nationality'.
Examples in context
- 今日晚餐好好味，但係食太多，我想番屋企。Today's dinner was delicious, but I ate too much. I want to go home.
- 我想返屋企。ngo5 soeng2 faan1 uk1 kei2.I want to go home.
- 我好攰，我想返屋企休息。ngo5 hou2 gui6, ngo5 soeng2 faan1 uk1 kei2 jau1 sik1.I am very tired, I want to go home and rest.
Example conversation
A man and a woman are at a crowded party.
- 子健 Tsz Kin雅婷，呢度太嘈，我想返屋企。nga5 ting4, ni1 dou6 tai3 cou4, ngo5 soeng2 faan1 uk1 kei2.Ah Ting, it's too noisy here, I want to go home.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting子健，我哋先玩多一個鐘啦。zi2 kin3, ngo5 dei6 sin1 waan2 do1 jat1 go3 zung1 laa1.Zi Kin, let's play for one more hour first.
- 子健 Tsz Kin唔好啦，我真係想返屋企。m4 hou2 laa1, ngo5 zan1 hai6 soeng2 faan1 uk1 kei2.No, I really want to go home.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting好啦，咁我哋而家走啦。hou2 laa1, gam2 ngo5 dei6 ji4 gaa1 zau2 laa1.Okay, then let's leave now.
