我嘅名
ngo5 ge3 meng2
“My name” in Cantonese is 我嘅名 (ngo5 ge3 meng2).
The phrase refers to the name that a person is called.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 我 (I/me), 嘅 (possessive particle) and 名 (name).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 我嘅名 uses the colloquial possessive particle 嘅, which is standard in spoken Cantonese.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle 嘅 is used to indicate possession, functioning similarly to the English 's or the word 'of'.
How do you pronounce it?
ngo5 ge3 meng2
Did you know?
- In traditional Cantonese culture, people often have a 'milk name' 奶名 given at birth, which is a cute or playful nickname used only by family members.
- Giving a name in Cantonese involves careful selection of characters that balance the five elements of nature to bring the person good luck and health.
- When introducing their name in formal settings, Cantonese speakers often say 我姓 (my surname is) first, as the family name is considered the most important part of one's identity.
Examples in context
- 呢個係我嘅名。ni1 go3 hai6 ngo5 ge3 ming2.This is my name.
- 你記唔記得我嘅名？nei5 gei3 m4 gei3 dak1 ngo5 ge3 ming2?Do you remember my name?
Example conversation
Two people are introducing themselves at a party.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan你好，我嘅名係嘉欣。nei5 hou2, ngo5 ge3 meng2 hai6 gaa1 jan1.Hello, my name is Ka Yan.
- 家明 Ka Ming你好，嘉欣。我叫家明。nei5 hou2, gaa1 jan1. ngo5 giu3 gaa1 ming4.Hello, Ka Yan. I'm Ka Ming.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan好高興認識你，家明。hou2 gou1 hing3 jing6 sik1 nei5, gaa1 ming4.Nice to meet you, Ka Ming.
- 家明 Ka Ming我都係。ngo5 dou1 hai6.Me too.
