我哋
ngo5 dei6
In Cantonese, the phrase for 'we' is 我哋 (ngo5 dei6).
我哋 is a generic term used to refer to the speaker and at least one other person. This applies regardless of whether the person being spoken to is included in the group or not.
Meaning: generic we (the speaker and at least one other person, regardless of whether it's the person being addressed) (pron)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the first-person pronoun 我 (I/me) and the plural suffix 哋 (plural marker for people).
Which one should you use?
Unlike some languages, Cantonese does not distinguish between 'inclusive we' (including the listener) and 'exclusive we' (excluding the listener). 我哋 is used for both cases.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 我哋 functions as both the subject (we) and the object (us) of a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
ngo5 dei6
Did you know?
- In highly formal or written contexts, Cantonese users switch to 我們, which is the standard Mandarin form for 'we' and lacks the plural marker 哋.
- The suffix 哋 is a specialist plural marker that can only be used for people or groups of people, and cannot be used to make inanimate objects plural.
- In old Cantonese opera or classical styles, you may find 我等, where 等 serves a similar pluralizing function to the modern 哋.
Examples in context
- 我哋學中文。We study Chinese.This sentence shows how to use 我哋 as the subject of a sentence about studying.Tatoeba #1344081 by nickyeow, translation #464442 by lukaszpp
- 我哋係男人。We are men.This sentence shows how to use 我哋 to state a collective identity.Tatoeba #1572669 by nickyeow, translation #388869 by CK
- 我哋要搵佢。We need to find it.This sentence shows how to use 我哋 to express a collective need.Tatoeba #4778564 by kaenif, translation #3178478 by CK
- 310 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two colleagues are deciding where to eat lunch.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan我哋去邊度食飯？ngo5 dei6 heoi3 bin2 dou6 sik6 faan2?Where are we going to eat?
- 家明 Ka Ming去嗰邊間茶餐廳啦。heoi3 go2 bin1 gaan1 ca4 caan1 ting1 laa1.Let's go to that cafe over there.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan好呀，我哋而家就走。hou2 aa3, ngo5 dei6 ji1 gaa1 zau6 zau2.Okay, we'll leave right now.
- 家明 Ka Ming好，行快啲啦。hou2, haang4 faai3 di1 laa1.Okay, let's walk faster.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
