Useful Slang
translates to "add oil", cheering someone on
What is Gaa jau (加油)?
translates literally to "drink tea," but always involves eating plenty of dim sum.
What is Yam ca (飲茶)?
a very famous martial arts legend and global icon
Who is Bruce Lee?
Unlike Mandarin, which typically uses 4 tones, standard Cantonese is famous for having this many distinct linguistic tones.
What is 6 or 9?
This dense, vibrant city is the historical and cultural heart of the Cantonese-speaking world, featuring Victoria Harbour and neon signs.
What is HK?
if someone is boasting, what do you accuse them of blowing?
What is Ceoi sau (吹水 / Blowing water)?
these steamed dumplings feature a translucent wrapper and are filled with shrimp.
What are Haa gaau (蝦餃)?
This genre of music, popular since the 1970s, blends Western pop melodies with Cantonese lyrics
What is Cantopop?
This Romanization system, created in 1993, is the most popular modern method for typing and learning Cantonese phonetics using numbers 1 through 6.
What is Jyutping?
Known as the "Vegas of the East," this nearby territory is also primarily Cantonese-speaking and famous for its casinos and Portuguese heritage.
What is Macau?
this phrase means "no problem" or "no big deal"
What is Mou man tai (冇問題)?
This pan-fried noodle dish features noodles topped with sliced beef, bean sprouts, and dark soy sauce.
What is Gong caau gao ho (乾炒牛河)?
This massive HK entertainment company is famous for producing decades of iconic TV dramas
What is TVB?
Name a saying that is showing thanks
What is "M-goi" (唔該) or "Do-ze" (多謝)?
This mainland Chinese province, bordering Hong Kong, is the absolute birthplace of the Cantonese language.
What is Guangdong 广东？
The slang term for a handsome guy literally means "beautiful boy."
What is Leng zai (靚仔)?
a thin, slippery, steamed rice noodle roll that usually contains shrimp or beef or something else
what is cheung fun (肠粉）？
what is Bruce Lee's Chinese name?
Who is Lee Siu-lung/李小龍?
This mnemonic phrase is commonly used by students to memorize the six Cantonese tones in order: "Fan", "Yau", "Sih", "Ling", "Hohk", "Yat".
What is "Three bowls of beef brisket noodles, please" (三碗牛腩麵)?
This iconic Hong Kong transit system features a red logo and is widely ranked as one of the best subway networks in the world.
What is the MTR (Mass Transit Railway)?