When it comes to learning a new language, mastering essential vocabulary is crucial. If you’re looking to have a conversation about job interviews in Cantonese, knowing how to say “interview” is a great starting point. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover various ways to express “interview” in both formal and informal contexts. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Interview
When you need to use formal language in professional settings, these are the phrases you can employ to talk about interviews:
- 求職面試 (kau4 zik1 min2 si6): This is the most common term used for a job interview in Cantonese. It directly translates to “job seeking interview.” When you want to discuss interviews in a formal and proper manner, this phrase is your best bet.
- 面試 (min2 si6): This term simplifies the idea of a job interview by omitting the “job seeking” part. While it’s still appropriate in formal contexts, it carries a slightly less professional connotation than “求職面試.”
- 工作面試 (gung1 zok3 min2 si6): If you want to emphasize the aspect of job-related interviews, this phrase is a great choice. It translates to “job-related interview” and implies that the discussion revolves specifically around work opportunities.
Informal Ways to Say Interview
On the other hand, when you’re conversing with friends or in a casual setting, you can use these less formal terms:
- 做工面試 (zou6 gung1 min2 si6): This phrase translates to “work-related interview” and is commonly used in informal conversations. It reflects a more relaxed tone while still conveying the meaning of a job interview.
- 去試工 (heoi3 si3 gung1): When you want to talk about going for an interview in a more colloquial way, this phrase is suitable. It literally means “go try job” and is colloquially used to refer to job interviews.
Examples and Tips
Now that we have covered various ways to say “interview” in Cantonese, let’s explore some practical examples and helpful tips:
Example Sentences
Formal
- 我明天有一個求職面試。 (ngo5 ming4 tin1 jau5 jat1 go3 kau4 zik1 min2 si6) – I have a job interview tomorrow.
- 我收到了一封面試通知。 (ngo5 sau1 dou2 liu5 jat1 fung1 min2 si6 tung1 zi6) – I received an interview invitation.
Informal
- 我今個星期要去做工面試。 (ngo5 gam1 go3 sing1 kei4 jiu3 heoi3 zou6 gung1 min2 si6) – I have a job interview this week.
- 我約咗個朋友一齊去試工。 (ngo5 joek3 zo2 go3 pang4 jau5 jat1 cai4 heoi3 si3 gung1) – I made an appointment with a friend to go for a job interview together.
Tips for Pronunciation
Cantonese pronunciation has its own unique characteristics. Here are a few tips to help you pronounce interview-related terms correctly:
In Cantonese, the number “6” often represents a rising tone. When pronouncing “min2 si6” (面試), make sure to raise your tone slightly on the “si6” part to convey the correct meaning. Similarly, for “kau4 zik1 min2 si6” (求職面試) or “gung1 zok3 min2 si6” (工作面試), emphasize the rising tone on “si6.”
Regional Variations
Cantonese is spoken in various regions, and slight differences may exist in vocabulary usage among them. However, the phrases mentioned in this guide are widely understood and used across different Cantonese-speaking communities. Whether you’re in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, or Macau, these expressions will enable you to communicate effectively when discussing interviews.
With this guide, you now have a solid understanding of how to say “interview” in Cantonese. Remember to adapt your choice of terms based on the level of formality required in each situation. Keep practicing, and before you know it, you’ll be confidently discussing interviews in Cantonese!
