Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “What is this?” in Cantonese! Whether you want to learn a formal or informal way to ask this question, we’ve got you covered. Cantonese, a dialect of the Chinese language, is primarily spoken in the region of Guangdong province, as well as in Hong Kong and Macau. So, let’s dive in and explore various ways to phrase this question in Cantonese!
Table of Contents
Formal Way to Say “What is this?” in Cantonese
When engaging in a formal setting or addressing someone you are not familiar with, it’s essential to use the appropriate level of politeness. In Cantonese, you can say “What is this?” politely with the phrase:
“呢个係乜嘢？” (nei5 go3 hai6 mat1 je5?)
Breaking it down:
- 呢个 (nei5 go3): “This”
- 係 (hai6): “is”
- 乜嘢 (mat1 je5): “what” – this phrase is often used to mean “what” in Cantonese.
By using this expression, you show your respect and formality towards the person you are addressing.
Informal Way to Say “What is this?” in Cantonese
Informal situations allow for a more relaxed approach. To ask “What is this?” informally in Cantonese, you can use the phrase:
“呢个系乜嘢？” (nei5 go3 hai6 mat1 je5?)
Here’s the breakdown:
- 呢个 (nei5 go3): “This”
- 系 (hai6): “is”
- 乜嘢 (mat1 je5): “what”
Using this slightly altered version maintains a casual tone while still being respectful enough for most situations.
Tips for Pronunciation
Cantonese pronunciation can be challenging for beginners, so here are a few tips to help you sound more natural:
- Pay attention to the tones: Cantonese is a tonal language, and different tones can change word meanings. Practice listening and imitating the correct tones.
- Use the phonetic guide: Cantonese romanization often uses the Jyutping system. Look up the Jyutping romanization for the words and phrases to refine your pronunciation.
Examples in Context
To help you grasp the usage of “What is this?” in Cantonese more effectively, let’s check out a few examples within different scenarios:
- You find an interesting object and want to know what it is:
你地知唔知道呢个係乜嘢？ (nei5 dei6 zi1 m4 zi1 dou3 nei5 go3 hai6 mat1 je5?)
Translation: “Do you know what this is?”
- A friend shows you a picture on their phone and asks for your opinion:
呢个系乜嘢？你覺得點？ (nei5 go3 hai6 mat1 je5? nei5 gok3 dak1 dim2?)
Translation: “What is this? What do you think?”
Regional Variations
Cantonese, as a regional language, may have slight variations in different areas. However, the phrases mentioned above are widely understood and used by Cantonese speakers. These phrases will work effectively in most Cantonese-speaking communities.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now learned how to say “What is this?” in Cantonese. Remember, politeness is crucial, and the context will determine whether to use the formal or informal expression. Practice your pronunciation with the given examples and focus on mastering the correct tones. Enjoy your journey of learning Cantonese!
