唔該
m4 goi1Cantonese, for a service or favor
In Hong Kong Cantonese there are two common ways to say thank you. 唔該 (m4 goi1) thanks someone for a service or a favor, and 多謝 (do1 ze6) thanks someone for a gift or a compliment.
Meaning: expressing thanks (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 唔該 | m4 goi1 | Cantonese, for a service or favor |
| 多謝 | do1 ze6 | Cantonese, for a gift |
You say 唔該 (m4 goi1) to a waiter or a bus driver, and 多謝 (do1 ze6) when a friend gives you a present. A stronger form is 唔該晒 (m4 goi1 saai3), "thanks a lot".
Which one should you use?
Mandarin has one all-purpose 謝謝 (xièxie). Cantonese separates the two situations, so 唔該 (m4 goi1) also works as "excuse me" or "please" when you ask for something.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization shown is Jyutping, with numbers marking the tones.
Did you know?
- Hong Kong newspapers and signs use Traditional characters, even though people speak Cantonese rather than Mandarin.
Examples in context
- 唔該，我要一杯奶茶。m4 goi1, ngo5 jiu3 jat1 bui1 naai5 caa4Please, I would like a milk tea.
- 多謝你嘅禮物。do1 ze6 nei5 ge3 lai5 mat6Thank you for your gift.
Example conversation
Chi-wai orders milk tea at a cha chaan teng in Hong Kong.
- Chi-wai唔該，一杯奶茶。m4 goi1, jat1 bui1 naai5 caa4Please, one milk tea.
- Waiter好，等一等。hou2, dang2 jat1 dang2Okay, wait a moment.
- Chi-wai唔該晒。m4 goi1 saai3Thanks a lot.
