Greetings! If you’re interested in learning how to say “today” in Cantonese, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to express this concept in both formal and informal settings. We’ll also cover any regional variations, although the focus will mainly be on Standard Cantonese used in Hong Kong. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of Cantonese day expressions!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Today”
When it comes to using formal expressions for “today” in Cantonese, you have a few options to choose from. Let’s take a look:
1. 今日 (gam1 jat6)
The most common and straightforward way to say “today” in Cantonese is by using the term “今日”. This expression is widely understood and used in both formal and informal situations.
Example: 今日天氣很好。 (gam1 jat6 tin1 hei3 han2 hou2.)
Today’s weather is very good.
2. 本日 (bun2 jat6)
Another formal way to say “today” is by using the term “本日”. This phrase is commonly found in written documents, official announcements, and formal speeches.
Example: 本日特別通知是非常重要的。 (bun2 jat6 dak6 bit6 tung1 zi1 si6 fei1 soeng4 cung4 jiu3 dik1.)
The notification today is of utmost importance.
3. 今天 (gam1 tin1)
Although “今天” is more commonly used in Mandarin, it is also understood and used in Cantonese, particularly in formal settings. This term is considered slightly more formal than “今日”.
Example: 今天是我們公司的開幕日。 (gam1 tin1 si6 ngo5 mun4 gung1 si1 dik1 hoi1 muk1 jat6.)
Today is the opening day of our company.
Informal Ways to Say “Today”
When speaking casually or informally, Cantonese speakers often use different expressions to say “today”. Let’s explore some popular informal expressions:
1. 今朝 (gam1 ziu1)
The term “今朝” is a colloquial way to say “today” in Cantonese. It is commonly used among friends, family, or in everyday conversations.
Example: 今朝我食咗一個好好味嘅包。 (gam1 ziu1 ngo5 sik6 zo2 jat1 go3 hou2 hou2 mei6 ge3 baau1.)
I had a delicious bun today.
2. 今日晏啲 (gam1 jat6 naam4 di1)
A more colloquial way to say “today” in Cantonese is by using the phrase “今日晏啲”. This expression carries a sense of informality and is commonly used in casual conversations.
Example: 今日晏啲梗係約埋朋友食飯啦！ (gam1 jat6 naam4 di1 gang2 hai6 joek3 maai4 pang4 jau5 sik6 faan6 laa1!)
Let’s meet up with friends for a meal tonight!
3. 今日嗰陣 (gam1 jat6 go2 zan6)
In casual conversations, you may also hear the term “今日嗰陣” to refer to “today”. This expression is often used among friends and peers.
Example: 今日嗰陣我哋去左個主題樂園玩得好開心呀！ (gam1 jat6 go2 zan6 ngo5 dei6 heoi3 zo2 go3 zyu2 tai4 lok6 jyun4 waan2 dak1 hou2 hoi1 sam1 aa3!)
We had a great time at the theme park today!
Regional Variations
While Standard Cantonese serves as the foundation, there might be regional variations in certain terms used to express “today” in Cantonese. Let’s take a quick look at a couple of those variations:
1. 今日 (gam1 jat6) vs. 今朝 (gam1 ziu1)
In some areas of the Guangdong province beyond Hong Kong, you may hear “今朝” used interchangeably with “今日” in both formal and informal contexts. These regional variations highlight the rich linguistic diversity within the Cantonese-speaking community.
2. 今 (gam1) vs. 今日 (gam1 jat6)
As an abbreviation, some Cantonese speakers use “今” to represent “今日”. This casual variation is more prevalent among younger speakers and in informal situations, offering a quick way to express “today”.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have reached the end of our comprehensive guide on the various ways to say “today” in Cantonese. We explored both formal and informal expressions, offering you a well-rounded understanding of this concept. Remember, the key to mastering Cantonese lies in practice and immersion. So, go ahead, start using these expressions in your everyday conversations and enjoy the beauty of the Cantonese language!
