Gaining a basic understanding of numbers is essential when learning any new language. Cantonese, spoken predominantly in the southern part of China, is no exception. Whether you’re dealing with formal or informal situations, knowing how to say numbers in Cantonese will undoubtedly come in handy. In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways to express numbers in Cantonese, while also providing you with useful tips, examples, and highlighting any regional variations when necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Numbers in Cantonese
When it comes to formal occasions, such as business meetings, official documents, or when addressing elderly individuals, it’s important to use the proper formal language. Below, we’ll provide a list of numbers from one to ten in Cantonese:
Numbers 1-10
- Yat – One
- Yee – Two
- Sam – Three
- Sei – Four
- Ng – Five
- Luk – Six
- Cat – Seven
- Baat – Eight
- Gau – Nine
- Sap – Ten
Remember to use these formal numeral pronunciations when required in formal settings or when addressing someone with higher social status, such as a supervisor or elder.
Informal Ways to Say Numbers in Cantonese
Informal situations, such as casual conversations with friends or peers, allow for a more relaxed language style. In Cantonese, the informal pronunciations of numbers are often used. Familiarize yourself with the informal versions of numbers one through ten:
Informal Numbers 1-10
- Yat – One
- Ji – Two
- Sam – Three
- Sei – Four
- Ng – Five
- Luk – Six
- Chat – Seven
- Baat – Eight
- Gau – Nine
- Sap – Ten
The informal pronunciations are widely used among friends, colleagues, or peers who share a close relationship. However, it’s important to note that in formal settings or when addressing someone senior, it’s better to switch back to the formal pronunciations to show respect.
Tips and Examples
1. Counting Beyond Ten
Now that you’re familiar with how to say one through ten, let’s move on to higher numbers. In Cantonese, numbers beyond ten follow a straightforward pattern. For example, to say twenty, you combine the word for ten, “sap,” with the number for two, “ji.” Hence, twenty is pronounced as “ji sap” in Cantonese. Let’s explore a few more examples:
50 – “ng sap”
73 – “chat sap sam”
86 – “baat sap luk”
99 – “gau sap gau”
2. Hundreds and Thousands
Similar to counting beyond ten, expressing hundreds and thousands in Cantonese is quite straightforward. To say one hundred, use the word “baak,” and for one thousand, use “cheung.” Here are a couple of examples:
125 – “yat baak ji sap ng”
2,000 – “ji cheung”
3,450 – “sam baak sei sap ng”
9,999 – “gau cheung gau sap gau”
3. Phone Numbers
Knowing how to say numbers in Cantonese is especially useful when communicating phone numbers. Here’s a example of how to say a typical phone number:
555-1234 – “ng ng ng yee sam sei sei”
Remember to pronounce each digit separately, including any repeating numbers.
4. Decimal Numbers
When dealing with decimal numbers, simply say each digit one by one. For instance, to say “3.14” in Cantonese, you would say “sam dim yat sei.” Here’s another example:
9.99 – “gau dim gau sap gau”
Using this method, you can confidently express any decimal number in Cantonese.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now have a solid understanding of how to say numbers in Cantonese. Remember to differentiate between formal and informal situations, adjusting your pronunciation accordingly. We covered numbers from one to ten in both formal and informal settings, as well as provided key tips and examples for expressing higher numbers, phone numbers, and decimal numbers. Keep practicing and soon you’ll be speaking Cantonese numbers with ease!
