Welcome to the comprehensive guide on how to say “promise” in Cantonese. Whether you need to express your commitment formally or informally, we’ve got you covered. Throughout this guide, we’ll provide you with essential tips, regional variations (if necessary), and plenty of examples to help you master the art of promising in Cantonese.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Promise”
When it comes to formal situations, it’s important to use appropriate language to convey your promise responsibly. Below are some formal phrases you can use:
1. 保證 (bou2 zing3)
This is the most common and formal way to say “promise” in Cantonese. It is used in professional settings, serious commitments, or when you need to assure someone with strong certainty.
Example: 我向你保證，我會按時完成工作。(ngo5 soeng3 nei5 bou2 zing3, ngo5 wui5 on3 si4 jyun4 zung1 gung1 zok3.)
Translation: I promise you that I will complete the work on time.
2. 誓言 (sai3 jin4)
This term emphasizes the solemnity of a promise and is often used in formal or legal contexts, such as vows, commitments, or oaths.
Example: 我真誠地發表這個誓言。(ngo5 zan1 sing4 dei6 faat3 biu2 ze5 go3 sai3 jin4.)
Translation: I sincerely make this promise.
3. 立誓 (lap6 sai3)
“立誓” denotes making a formal promise or taking an oath. It is often used in official ceremonies or when solemnly committing oneself to a particular course of action.
Example: 我願立誓為國家服務。(ngo5 jyun6 lap6 sai3 wai4 gwok3 gaa1 fuk6 mou6.)
Translation: I am willing to promise to serve the country.
Informal Ways to Say “Promise”
In more informal settings, such as conversations with friends or family, you can use less formal language to express your promise. Here are some informal phrases you can use:
1. 話 (waa6)
“話” can be translated as “word” or “talk” and is commonly used in informal promises among friends or close acquaintances.
Example: 我會做到，話就話。(ngo5 wui5 zou6 dou3, waa6 zau6 waa6.)
Translation: I will do it, just promise.
2. 保證 (bou2 zing3)
While “保證” is more commonly used in formal situations, it can still be used casually among friends and family. In this context, it carries a sense of reassurance.
Example: 我保證我會幫你辦好。(ngo5 bou2 zing3 ngo5 wui5 bong1 nei5 baan6 hou2.)
Translation: I promise I’ll help you take care of it.
Regional Variations
Cantonese can have regional variations in vocabulary and pronunciation. While “保證” is widely understood across Cantonese-speaking regions, here are two variations of “promise” in specific areas:
1. 擔保 (daam1 bou2)
This term is frequently used in Hong Kong and parts of the Guangdong province. It carries the same meaning as “promise” and is often used in contractual or legal contexts.
Example: 我可以擔保這是真的。(ngo5 ho2 ji5 daam1 bou2 ze5 si6 jan1 dik1.)
Translation: I can promise you that this is true.
2. 包紥 (baau1 zaat3)
This variation is commonly heard in the Guangxi province. It is slightly different from the standard Cantonese “promise,” but the meaning remains the same. It is typically used among locals in casual situations.
Example: 我會包紥住我嘅承諾。(ngo5 wui5 baau1 zaat3 zyu6 ngo5 ge3 sing4 lok6.)
Translation: I will keep my promise.
Congratulations! You’ve learned various ways to say “promise” in Cantonese. Remember to use the appropriate term based on the formality of the situation and consider regional variations in specific contexts. Keep practicing and incorporating these phrases into your conversations to solidify your understanding. Happy promising!
