Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “they” in Cantonese! In this guide, we will explore both the formal and informal ways to express “they” in this vibrant language. Additionally, we will provide you with essential tips, examples, and even discuss regional variations. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “They”
When speaking formally in Cantonese, you can use the pronoun “佢 (keoi5)” to say “they.” Here’s an example:
佢哋好開心。(keoi5 dei6 hou2 hoi1 sam1)
They are very happy.
Notice that “佢 (keoi5)” is used as a subject pronoun, accompanied by the plural particle “哋 (dei6).” Keep in mind that in formal Cantonese, speakers often use honorifics, surname, or titles to show respect when referring to someone in the third person.
Informal Ways to Say “They”
In casual conversations, Cantonese speakers often switch to informal pronouns. The most common informal pronoun for “they” is “佢哋 (keoi5 dei6).” Here’s an example:
佢哋好開心。(keoi5 dei6 hou2 hoi1 sam1)
They are very happy.
It’s important to note that “佢哋 (keoi5 dei6)” is the same as the formal form, but informally, “佢哋 (keoi5 dei6)” is used both as the subject and the object pronoun. Let’s take a look at another example:
我見過佢哋。(ngo5 gin3 gwo3 keoi5 dei6)
I’ve seen them.
Tips for Using “They” in Cantonese
1. Context Matters: Pay attention to the context of the conversation. Depending on the situation, there might be specific pronouns or terms more commonly used than “they.”
2. Verb Agreement: Cantonese verbs do not change based on the subject, so you do not need to worry about verb agreement when using “they.”
3. Gender Neutrality: If you want to emphasize the gender neutrality of the pronoun, you can use “佢哋 (keoi5 dei6).” This form does not imply any specific gender.
4. Understand Honorifics: When speaking formally, be aware of the honorifics and titles used to show respect when referring to someone in the third person. This is particularly important in professional or formal situations.
Regional Variations
Cantonese is spoken in various regions, and slight variations in vocabulary and pronunciation may occur. However, when it comes to saying “they,” “佢 (keoi5)” and “佢哋 (keoi5 dei6)” remain widely used across different regions. These pronouns are associated with Standard Cantonese, which is understood throughout most Cantonese-speaking areas.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned how to say “they” in Cantonese. Remember to use “佢 (keoi5)” and “佢哋 (keoi5 dei6)” for formal and informal contexts, respectively. Pay attention to the context and consider the use of honorifics when speaking formally. Now you can confidently include “they” in your Cantonese conversations! Happy language learning!
