Welcome to this guide on how to say “yes” in Chinese Cantonese! Learning how to express agreement is an essential part of any language, allowing you to actively participate in conversations and show your understanding. In Cantonese, there are various ways to say “yes” depending on the formality and the situation. In this guide, we will explore both the formal and informal ways, highlighting any regional variations if necessary. Without further ado, let’s delve into the world of affirmations in Cantonese!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Yes
When it comes to formal settings or polite conversations, the following words and phrases can be used to express agreement:
1. 恩 (yan)
“恩” is a simple and concise way to say “yes” in a formal manner. It conveys a polite and respectful tone. You can use it in response to questions, requests, or to show that you understand what someone is saying. For example:
Person A: 你想要咖啡吗？(Do you want coffee?)
Person B: 恩，我想要。 (Yes, I want.)Person A: 明天开会是在这里吗？(Is the meeting here tomorrow?)
Person B: 恩，是的。 (Yes, it is.)
2. 是 (si)
“是” is another formal way to say “yes” in Cantonese. It is commonly used to explicitly affirm a fact or confirm an agreement. When using “是,” it is often paired with additional words or phrases to provide more context or emphasize the agreement:
Person A: 这本书是你的吗？(Is this book yours?)
Person B: 是的，这本书是我的。 (Yes, this book is mine.)Person A: 我们可以开始工作了吗？(Can we start working now?)
Person B: 是的，我们可以开始了。 (Yes, we can start now.)
Informal Ways to Say Yes
In more casual or informal situations, Cantonese speakers often use different words and phrases to express agreement. Let’s explore some of the common choices:
1. 係 (hai)
“係” is a colloquial way to say “yes” in Cantonese. It is widely used in everyday conversations among friends, family, and peers. This term is a popular choice due to its simplicity and versatility:
Person A: 你今晚来参加聚会吗？(Are you coming to the gathering tonight?)
Person B: 係，我会来。 (Yes, I will come.)Person A: 你明白我的意思吗？(Do you understand what I mean?)
Person B: 係，我明白。 (Yes, I understand.)
2. 跪 (gwai)
Another informal way to say “yes” in Cantonese is “跪”. This term is commonly used in Hong Kong and Macau, but it may not be as prevalent in other regions:
Person A: 你要去那个餐厅吃晚饭吗？(Are you going to that restaurant for dinner?)
Person B: 跪，我要去。 (Yes, I am going.)Person A: 今晚我们一起去看电影好吗？(Shall we go watch a movie together tonight?)
Person B: 跪，好啊！ (Yes, sure!)
Tips for Using “Yes” in Cantonese
Here are some tips to keep in mind when using the various ways to say “yes” in Cantonese:
1. Pay attention to the context
Before choosing a particular word or phrase to express agreement, it’s important to consider the formality of the situation and the relationship between the speakers. Being aware of the appropriate level of politeness will help you navigate conversations smoothly.
2. Listen to native speakers
Actively listening to native Cantonese speakers will expose you to the different ways “yes” is used in various social contexts. This exposure will enhance your understanding and help you naturally incorporate these expressions into your own conversations.
3. Practice using different expressions
Try to practice using the formal and informal ways of saying “yes” in different scenarios. By doing so, you’ll gain confidence and fluency when engaging in Cantonese conversations. Practice with friends or language exchange partners can be particularly helpful.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of this comprehensive guide on how to say “yes” in Cantonese! We’ve covered both formal and informal ways, providing you with a solid foundation for expressing agreement in different situations. Remember to adapt your choice of affirmative expressions based on the formality and context of your conversations. With practice and exposure to native speakers, you’ll become proficient in using “yes” in Cantonese with ease. Enjoy your language learning journey and embrace the joy of communicating in Cantonese!
