Greeting someone in their native language can go a long way in establishing a connection and showing respect. If you are looking to master the art of saying “What do you want?” in Cantonese, you’ve come to the right place!
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Formal Way:
In formal situations, such as speaking to older people or those in positions of authority, it is essential to use polite language. Here’s how to say “What do you want?” formally in Cantonese:
您想要什麼？
Pronunciation: Nei5 soeng2 jiu3 mut6?
If you want to be even more polite, you can add “請問” (cing2 man6) at the beginning, which can be translated as “May I ask.” This makes the sentence even more respectful:
請問您想要什麼？
Pronunciation: Cing2 man6 nei5 soeng2 jiu3 mut6?
Remember to use these phrases when speaking to elders, superiors, or someone you’ve just met who appears to be in a position of authority.
Informal Way:
In informal situations, with friends, family, or peers, you can use a more casual expression to ask “What do you want?” Here’s the informal way to say it in Cantonese:
你想要乜嘢？
Pronunciation: Nei5 soeng2 jiu3 mat1 je5?
The word “你” (nei5) means “you,” so this phrase is more relaxed and suitable for casual interactions.
Regional Variations:
While Cantonese is primarily spoken in Guangdong Province and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, slight regional variations in vocabulary and pronunciation exist. The phrases we’ve covered are widely understood, but here are a few regional variations you may encounter:
Guangdong Province:
In Guangdong Province, locals often use a different word for “want.” Instead of “想要” (soeng2 jiu3), they say “想得” (soeng2 dak1). So, the question “What do you want?” would be:
你想得乜嘢？
Pronunciation: Nei5 soeng2 dak1 mat1 je5?
Hong Kong:
In Hong Kong, the language has its unique expressions and slangs. One alternative way to ask “What do you want?” in Hong Kong Cantonese is:
你想食咩？
Pronunciation: Nei5 soeng2 sik6 me1?
Using this phrase in Hong Kong will help you sound more like a local!
Tips for Using the Phrases:
1. Body Language:
Non-verbal communication plays a significant role in Cantonese culture. To appear friendly, maintain eye contact and smile while asking the question.
2. Politeness is Key:
When in doubt, it is always better to err on the side of politeness. Using the formal phrases with people you are not familiar with ensures you show respect and avoid any unintentional offense.
3. Practice Pronunciation:
Cantonese has unique tones and pronunciation. Listen carefully to native speakers, pay attention to tone changes, and practice repeatedly to improve your pronunciation.
Examples:
Let’s take a look at some examples to help you get a better grasp of how to use these phrases in context:
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Formal:
Person A: 請問您想要什麼？(Cing2 man6 nei5 soeng2 jiu3 mut6?)
Person B: 我想要一杯咖啡。(ngo5 soeng2 jiu3 jat1 bui1 gaa1 fe1.)
Translation:
Person A: What do you want, please?
Person B: I would like a cup of coffee.
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Informal:
Person A: 你想要乜嘢？(Nei5 soeng2 jiu3 mat1 je5?)
Person B: 我想要一支筆。(ngo5 soeng2 jiu3 jat1 zi1 bat1.)
Translation:
Person A: What do you want?
Person B: I want a pen.
Congratulations! You’re now equipped with the knowledge to effectively ask “What do you want?” in Cantonese in both formal and informal situations. Remember to practice and immerse yourself in the language to enhance your skills further. Enjoy your Cantonese learning journey!
