Greetings! If you’re looking to expand your Cantonese vocabulary and learn how to say “minute,” you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express the concept of a minute in Cantonese, along with some helpful tips and examples. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Minute”
If you find yourself in a formal setting or speaking to someone older or of higher authority, it’s important to use the appropriate term for “minute.” The formal word for “minute” in Cantonese is:
1. 分鐘 (fan1 zung1)
For example, you can say:
分鐘過後，請遵守安全規定。 (fan1 zung1 gwo3 hau6, cing2 zeoi1 jyun5 cyun1 cin2)
Translation: After a minute, please follow the safety regulations.
2. Informal Ways to Say “Minute”
In casual everyday conversations or when speaking to friends and peers, you can use alternative terms for “minute.” Here are some common informal expressions:
2. 分 (fan1)
This is the most commonly used informal term for “minute” in Cantonese. Here’s an example:
請等我五分鐘。 (cing2 dang2 ngo5 ng5 fan1 zung1)
Translation: Please wait for me for five minutes.
3. 分鐘鐘 (fan1 zung1 zung1)
This is a more colloquial and playful way to say “minute” in Cantonese. Here’s an example:
我得五分鐘鐘你才返得啦！ (ngo5 dak1 ng5 fan1 zung1 zung1 nei5 coi4 faan1 dak1 laa!)
Translation: I need five minutes before I can come back!
3. Regional Variations
Cantonese is spoken in various regions, and sometimes specific terms or pronunciations can vary. Here, we will explore a few regional variations of how to say “minute” in Cantonese:
4. 分针 (fan1 zan1) – Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, you might come across the term “分针” (fan1 zan1), which translates to “minute hand.” Here’s an example:
再等我五分针呀！ (zoi3 dang2 ngo5 ng5 fan1 zan1 aa!)
Translation: Wait for me for another five minutes!
5. 分钟 (fan1 zung1) – Guangzhou
In Guangzhou, “分钟” (fan1 zung1) is commonly used to refer to a minute. Here’s an example:
等我五分钟啊！ (dang2 ngo5 ng5 fan1 zung1 aa!)
Translation: Wait for me for five minutes!
Useful Tips
Learning a new language is exciting, and here are a few tips to help you remember how to say “minute” in Cantonese:
- Practice using both the formal and informal terms in different contexts to get comfortable with their usage.
- Listen to native Cantonese speakers and try to mimic their pronunciation to improve your accent.
- Make flashcards or use language learning apps to reinforce your memory of different terms.
- Engage in conversations with Cantonese speakers to practice and gain confidence in using these phrases.
Remember, language learning is a journey, and it’s okay to make mistakes. Have fun while learning Cantonese, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance from native speakers or language exchange partners!
I hope this guide has been helpful in expanding your Cantonese vocabulary and teaching you how to say “minute” in both formal and informal ways. Happy learning!
