唔該，唔使喇
m4 goi1, m4 sai2 la3
The English phrase "no thank you" is expressed in Cantonese as 唔該，唔使喇 (m4 goi1, m4 sai2 la3).
唔該，唔使喇 is used specifically when you are declining an offer of an item or a service, such as when a waiter offers you more water or a shopkeeper offers you a bag.
Meaning: polite way of saying no (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 唔該 (m4 goi1), which means "thank you" (specifically for a service) and 唔使喇 (m4 sai2 la3), which means "no need" or "no need to".
Which one should you use?
While 唔該 on its own can mean "thank you", in this specific combination it functions as a polite way to acknowledge the person's offer before declining it with the second part, 唔使喇.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle 喇 at the end of the phrase adds a sense of softness or finality to the refusal. This makes the expression sound more natural and less abrupt than simply saying 唔使.
How do you pronounce it?
m4 goi1, m4 sai2 la3
Did you know?
- A common mistake for learners is using 'thank you' for a gift, but in Cantonese, you should use 多謝 (do1 ze6) for items and 唔該 for services.
- In Cantonese, 唔該 is used to say 'thank you' for a service, but it is also the standard way to say 'excuse me' when trying to get someone's attention or pass through a crowd.
- In Hong Kong, it is common to accompany 唔使喇 with a gentle wave of the hand to physically signal the 'pushing away' of an offer.
Examples in context
- 唔該，唔使喇，我仲有嘢食。m4 goi1, m4 sai2 la3, ngo5 zung6 jau5 je5 sik6.No thank you, I still have food.
- 唔該，唔使喇，我唔係好餓。m4 goi1, m4 sai2 la3, ngo5 m4 hai6 hou2 ngo6.No thank you, I'm not very hungry.
Example conversation
Ka Ming offers Ya Ting a piece of fruit.
- 家明 Ka Ming雅婷，你想唔想食個蘋果？jaa5 ting4, nei5 soeng2 m4 soeng2 sik6 go3 ping4 gwo2?Ya Ting, do you want to eat an apple?
- 雅婷 Nga Ting唔該，唔使喇。m4 goi1, m4 sai2 laa3.No thank you.
- 家明 Ka Ming好嘅，咁你飲水啦。hou2 ge3, gam2 nei5 jam2 seoi2 laa1.Okay, then have some water.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting唔該晒家明。m4 goi1 saai3 gaa1 ming4.Thanks a lot, Ka Ming.
