Welcome to our ultimate guide on how to say “what” in Cantonese! Whether you are a beginner or an intermediate learner, this guide will help you master the different ways to express “what” in both formal and informal contexts. We will also touch on any regional variations when necessary. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What” in Cantonese
In formal settings, such as business meetings or when speaking to elders, it’s important to use appropriate language. Here are a few formal ways to ask “what” in Cantonese:
1. 點 (dim)
The word “點” (dim) is commonly used to mean “what” in Cantonese. It is a neutral term suitable for most formal situations. For example:
你有冇睇見我個手機？點呀？
(Nei jau mou tai gin ngo go sau gei? Dim a?)
Have you seen my phone? What happened?
2. 如何 (jyu ho)
If you prefer a more formal and polite way to ask “what,” you can use the phrase “如何” (jyu ho). This term is often used in professional and formal contexts. Consider the following example:
請問如何才能達到你的目標？
(Cing man jyu ho coi nang daat dou nei dik muk biu?)
Excuse me, what can I do to achieve your goals?
Informal Ways to Say “What” in Cantonese
When speaking with friends or peers in informal situations, you can use more relaxed and colloquial expressions to ask “what.” Here are some examples:
1. 乜嘢 (mat yeh)
“乜嘢” (mat yeh) is a popular informal term for “what” in Cantonese. It is often used in casual conversations among friends. Let’s take a look at an example:
你食咗乜嘢？
(Nei sik zo mat yeh?)
What did you eat?
2. 點解 (dim gaai)
In informal Cantonese, you can use “點解” (dim gaai) to ask “why” as a way to indirectly inquire about “what.” This phrase is commonly used amongst friends, especially when seeking clarification. For instance:
點解佢唞你咁多錢？
(Dim gaai keoi tung nei gam do cin?)
Why did he borrow so much money from you?
Tips for Using “What” in Cantonese
1. Pay Attention to Tone
Cantonese is a tonal language, so it’s important to emphasize the correct tone when pronouncing “what.” Improper tone usage can lead to misunderstandings. Keep in mind that “乜嘢” (mat yeh) should be pronounced with a rising tone on “mat” and a falling tone on “yeh.” Practice with native speakers to perfect your tone.
2. Listen and Observe
Whenever you interact with native Cantonese speakers, pay close attention to how they use “what” in different contexts. Observe the formal and informal expressions they use and try to mimic their pronunciation and intonation. This will help you familiarize yourself with the nuances of the language.
3. Practice Speaking
Don’t hesitate to practice speaking Cantonese with others. Engage in conversations with native speakers or language exchange partners, and make an effort to incorporate the various ways of saying “what” into your speech. Practice makes perfect!
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have completed our comprehensive guide on how to say “what” in Cantonese. You now have a range of formal and informal expressions to suit different contexts. Remember to pay attention to your tone, listen and observe how native speakers use “what,” and practice speaking regularly to solidify your language skills. Enjoy your Cantonese learning journey, and may you achieve fluency in no time!
