我叫
ngo5 giu3
To say "my name is" in Cantonese, use 我叫 (ngo5 giu3).
我叫 is the standard and most natural way to introduce yourself by name in Cantonese.
Meaning: a way to identify oneself (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I am called", using the verb 叫 (giu3) which means "to call" or "to be called".
Which one should you use?
While you might be tempted to use the literal translation of "my name is" (我嘅名係), this sounds overly formal or like an English-to-Chinese translation. 我叫 is much more common in natural speech.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase utilizes the verb 叫 (giu3), meaning "to call".
How do you pronounce it?
ngo5 giu3
Did you know?
- The word 叫 (giu3) is also used in the common phrase 叫聲 (giu3 seng1), which means 'to bark' or 'to make a sound'.
- In traditional Cantonese culture, you might be asked for your 'name' but be expected to provide your title or relationship to the speaker instead of your actual name.
- While 我叫 is standard, people in Hong Kong often mix English into the introduction, saying 我叫 followed by an English name even if they have a Chinese one.
Examples in context
- 我叫做Luis。My name is Luis.This sentence shows how to use 我叫 to state your name.Tatoeba #1272441 by nickyeow, translation #716144 by papabear
Example conversation
Two students meeting for the first time in a classroom.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit你好，我叫俊傑。你叫咩名？nei5 hou2, ngo5 giu3 jun3 git3. nei5 giu3 me1 meng2?Hello, my name is Jun Kit. What is your name?
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan你好，俊傑。我叫嘉欣。nei5 hou2, jun3 git3. ngo5 giu3 gaa1 han1.Hello, Jun Kit. My name is Ka Yan.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit嘉欣，好高興認識你。gaa1 han1, hou2 gou1 hing3 jing6 sik1 nei5.Ka Yan, it's nice to meet you.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan我也好高興認識你。ngo5 jaa5 hou2 gou1 hing3 jing6 sik1 nei5.I'm glad to meet you too.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
