Guide: How to say “with” in Cantonese

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “with” in Cantonese! Whether you are new to the language or looking to deepen your knowledge, we will explore both the formal and informal ways of expressing this essential concept. Additionally, we will touch on any regional variations when necessary. So, let’s dive right in!

Formal Ways to Say “With”

When it comes to formal speech, Cantonese offers several options to convey the meaning of “with.” Here are some commonly used phrases:

1. 同埋 (tung4 maai5): This is the most straightforward and commonly used way to say “with” in Cantonese. For example, “我同埋朋友去食飯” (ngo5 tung4 maai5 pang4 jau5 heoi3 sik6 faan6) means “I am going to have a meal with my friend.”
2. 同 (tung4): Though it can be used on its own, it is often combined with other words to express “with.” For instance, “同我去” (tung4 ngo5 heoi3) means “come with me.”
3. 跟 (gan1): This word can also be utilized to indicate “with.” For example, “佢跟佢媽媽行街” (keoi5 gan1 keoi5 maa1 maa1 hang4 gaai1) means “He is going shopping with his mother.”

Informal Ways to Say “With”

In informal Cantonese, there are colloquial phrases that locals use in their daily conversations. Remember, these phrases might not be appropriate in formal settings:

1. 埋 (maai4): This word is commonly used in informal Cantonese to indicate “with.” For instance, “我埋朋友去玩” (ngo5 maai4 pang4 jau5 heoi3 waan4) means “I am going to play with my friend.”
2. 同時 (tung4 si4): In casual conversation, some Cantonese speakers use this phrase to mean “with.” For example, “我食飯同時睇電視” (ngo5 sik6 faan6 tung4 si4 tai2 din6 si6) translates to “I eat while watching TV.”
3. 同樣 (tung4 joeng6): Although its primary meaning is “same” or “similar,” it can also be used to express “with.” For example, “佢一齊做嘢同樣得到獎賞” (keoi5 jat1 cai4 zou6 je5 tung4 joeng6 dak1 dou3 zoeng2 soeng2) means “They both will receive rewards for working together.”

Regional Variations

While Cantonese is mainly spoken in southern China, Hong Kong, Macau, and among various overseas Chinese communities, regional variations do exist in the usage of the word “with.” However, the differences are relatively minor and often come down to personal preferences.

Tips and Examples

Here are some valuable tips and additional examples to help you grasp the usage of “with” in Cantonese:

• Practice: The best way to become proficient in using “with” is to practice speaking Cantonese regularly. Engage in conversations with native speakers or find language exchange partners to enhance your skills.
• Listen to locals: To familiarize yourself with different ways of using “with,” pay attention to how native Cantonese speakers express the concept in movies, TV shows, and everyday conversations.
• Context matters: Keep in mind that the appropriate word to use may depend on the specific context. Consider the relationship between the people involved and the activity being performed.

Now, let’s reinforce our understanding with some additional examples:

我同埋家人去旅行。(ngo5 tung4 maai5 gaa1 jan4 heoi3 leoi5 haang4)
I am going on a trip with my family.

佢埋朋友食飯。(keoi5 maai4 pang4 jau5 sik6 faan6)
He is having a meal with his friend.

我同樣鍾意狗。(ngo5 tung4 joeng6 jung1 ji3 gau2)
I like dogs too.