Welcome to our guide on how to say “What does it mean?” in Cantonese! Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn some basic phrases or an intermediate learner seeking to expand your vocabulary, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll present both formal and informal ways to express this question and provide various tips and examples to assist you along the way.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Expressions:
When asking about the meaning of something in a polite or formal context, you can use the following phrases:
A. “請問是什麼意思?” (cing2 man6 si6 sam2 mou5 ji3 si1)
This expression directly translates to “May I ask what it means?” and is commonly used in formal situations such as professional settings or when conversing with elderly relatives. It shows respect and politeness, making it suitable for most formal interactions.
Example: 請問是什麼意思? (cing2 man6 si6 sam2 mou5 ji3 si1) – What does it mean?
B. “能否解釋一下?” (nang4 fai2 gaai2 sik1 jat1 haa6)
This phrase translates to “Could you please explain it?” and is more indirect but maintains the formality. It is often used when seeking clarification from someone, especially if you need a detailed explanation.
Example: 能否解釋一下? (nang4 fai2 gaai2 sik1 jat1 haa6) – Could you please explain it?
2. Informal Expressions:
In casual conversations or informal settings, you can use the following phrases to ask about the meaning of something:
A. “點解啊?” (dim2 gaai2 aa3)
When talking with friends or peers, this phrase is a common and straightforward way to ask “Why?” or “What does it mean?” It’s used casually and is suitable for informal situations.
Example: 點解啊? (dim2 gaai2 aa3) – What does it mean?
B. “咩意思?” (me1 ji3 si1)
This phrase is an everyday way to ask “What does it mean?” and is widely used among Cantonese speakers. It’s simple, informal, and perfect for casual conversations with friends or family members.
Example: 咩意思? (me1 ji3 si1) – What does it mean?
3. Tips for Using the Expressions:
A. Tone and Delivery:
Remember that the tone and delivery play a crucial role in Cantonese conversations. Practice saying the phrases aloud to capture the right intonation and emphasis. This will enable you to communicate more effectively.
B. Listening and Mimicking:
To improve your understanding of Cantonese, listen attentively to native speakers and try to mimic their pronunciation and intonation. This will help you develop a more authentic sounding accent.
C. Vocabulary Expansion:
It’s important to continuously expand your vocabulary. By learning new words and phrases regularly, you’ll enhance your ability to express yourself and understand others during conversations.
D. Practice with Native Speakers:
If possible, practice speaking Cantonese with native speakers or find language exchange partners. Regular conversation practice will boost your fluency, confidence, and cultural understanding.
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing our guide on how to say “What does it mean?” in Cantonese! You have learned both formal and informal expressions to use in various contexts. Remember to pay attention to the tone, listen to native speakers, expand your vocabulary, and practice with others. With dedication and consistent effort, you’ll soon be proficient in Cantonese and confidently navigate conversations. Enjoy your language learning journey!
