What does it mean word for word?
The phrase contains 停, which means "to stop" or "to cease".
Which one should you use?
While 唔該停 is used for a sudden cessation of movement or a machine, the phrase 唔該唔好 is more commonly used to ask someone not to perform a specific continuous action (e.g., 'please don't smoke').
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal settings, you can use 請勿再繼續 to mean "Please do not continue". For a more pleading or informal conversational tone, you can repeat 唔該 and add the particle 啦 to say 唔該唔該，停手啦, which means "Please, please, stop what you are doing". In informal settings, 唔該停返一停 can be used to mean "Could you please stop for a moment".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Hong Kong, the phrase 麻煩你停一停啦 is used to mean "Please stop for a moment". In Guangdong, 请你停一停 is used for the same meaning.
How do you pronounce it?
m4 goi1 ting4
Did you know?
- The word 唔該 (please/thanks) is actually derived from a phrase meaning 'trouble you', which explains why it is used for both 'please' and 'thank you'.
- If you are in a taxi and need the driver to stop immediately, simply shouting 停 is often more effective than adding the polite 唔該.
- In many Cantonese-speaking regions, gesturing with a palm facing down while saying 停 is a common non-verbal way to reinforce the command.
Examples in context
- 唔該停一停。m4 goi1 ting4 jat1 ting2.Please stop for a moment.
- 唔該停低部車。m4 goi1 ting4 dai1 bou6 ce1.Please stop the car.
Example conversation
Zi Jian is giving directions to Mei Ling while she is driving.
- 子健 Tsz Kin美玲，唔該停喺前面個轉角。Mei Ling, m gōi tìng hái chìhn mihn go jyun gōk.Mei Ling, please stop at the corner ahead.
- 美玲 Mei Ling好，我而家停。hóu, ngóh yìh gāi tìng.Okay, I am stopping now.
- 子健 Tsz Kin多謝你。dō je néih.Thank you.
- 美玲 Mei Ling唔使客氣。m sái haak hei.You're welcome.
