Last updated on June 5th, 2026 at 11:35 pm
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Outside of a few countries and regions, most places do not have English as their primary language. When you visit somewhere that speaks a language other than your native language, you have the opportunity to learn new words and phrases and add them to your vocabulary.
In Hong Kong, people speak Cantonese. Tourists usually get away with speaking only English during their stay, but locals appreciate tourists’ effort to speak their language: boom, instant connection.
Since you’re reading this post, this means you’re interested in learning some basic Cantonese phrases, right? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
These are the essential phrases you need to know.
Let’s get started!
Cantonese Phrases for Travel List
1) Hello – 你好 (Nei Hou)
This is one of the fastest Cantonese phrases you’ll pick up while travelling because you’ll hear it often. Greeting someone is basic manners and the start of most interactions, whether that’s on the phone, online, or in person. Hong Kongers usually say ‘hello (哈囉 (ha-lo))’ or ‘hi’ in a casual manner. Nei hou is a bit more formal and polite in Hong Kong, so you’ll probably hear this mainly from the hotel staff.
2) Excuse Me/Thank You – 唔該 (Mm Goi)
Mm goi is a weird word in Cantonese because it has multiple meanings. Depending on the context, it can mean “excuse me” or “thank you.”
You would say this when you’re trying to get attention from your waiter at a restaurant, for example, or trying to pass someone on the street.
When expressing gratitude, you say “mm goi” for services like bringing your bill to the table, holding the door open, or handing you a tissue.
3) Thank You – 多謝 (Dor Chey)
You might be thinking, ‘wait, what?’ Didn’t we already cover how to say thank you above?
Yes, but there are two ways to say thank you in Cantonese: mm goi (which I already covered) and dor chey. You would respond with dor chey when someone gives you a gift or compliments your beauty.
I know it can be confusing, so don’t worry too much if you mix the two. Hong Kongers will already be impressed that you know there are two ways of saying thank you. They would focus on that rather than you using it in the wrong context.
4) Excuse Me/Pardon Me/Sorry – 唔好意思 (Mm Ho Yee See)
Another Cantonese travel phrase that has multiple meanings is 唔好意思. These words can be used in different situations, such as interrupting a conversation, bumping into someone on the street, or inconveniencing someone to ask for a favour.
5) Where is the Bathroom? – 廁所喺邊 (Ci So Hai Bin)
This will come in handy, as we’ve all experienced a time or two when we rushed to find a bathroom while out and about.
Ask 廁所喺邊, and locals will direct you to the nearest available bathroom. One thing to note is that, to no one’s surprise, the cleanest bathrooms are generally inside shopping malls, restaurants, and hotels. The public bathrooms are hit-or-miss, but hey, if you have to go, you have to go.
6) Good Morning – 早晨 (Jou San)
You’ll mostly hear this from the hotel and restaurant staff. They will politely greet you in the morning, saying “早晨”. Say it back enthusiastically! It’s already a great start to the day.
7) This One – 呢個 (Ni Gor)
I love using this because reading Chinese can be difficult. Even Hong Kongers point to a menu item and say they want ‘ni gor’ instead of reading the full name.
Another way to use this phrase is at a market or store. There are quite a few stores where items are displayed in glass cases. If you don’t know how to say what the object is, point with your fingers and say ‘ni gor.’ It’s easy to express precisely what you want.
8) How Much is This? – 幾多錢 (Gei Dor Cheen)
Before buying or paying for anything, we always want to know the price. Generally, prices should already be listed and posted, unless you’re at a market like the Ladies’ Market in Mong Kok.
Put the two Cantonese travel phrases together and ask the salesperson how much something is by pointing at the object and asking ‘呢個幾多錢?’
9) The Bill, Please – 埋單唔該 (Mai Daan, Mm Goi)
Like in Europe, restaurant staff won’t keep coming by your table to ask if you need anything. You need to reach out to them, so flag them down and let them know you want to pay now.
While some restaurants in Hong Kong require you to bring the bill to the cashier at the front door, you should usually notify the staff when you’re ready for your bill at sit-down restaurants.
10) Delicious! – 好味 (Hou Mei)
Food is a big part of Hong Kong culture. If you liked your meal, compliment the staff by saying it was delicious! They’ll be delighted to hear that, and it will make their day.
11) Do You Speak English? 你識唔識講英文? (Neih Sik Mm Sik Gong Ying Man?)
In an international city like Hong Kong, most people, especially the younger crowd, can speak basic English phrases. Many are fluent, too, having studied in international schools or having experience studying or working abroad.
However, you are still in Asia; not everyone can speak English. If you need help during your time in Hong Kong, ask them this Cantonese phrase before continuing your questions in English.
12) Goodbye – 再見 (Joi Geen)/ 拜拜 (Bai Bai）
There are two ways of saying goodbye: bai bai and joi geen. Joi geen is more polite, while bai bai is more casual. As a Hong Kong tourist, either way works.
How to Learn Essential Cantonese Phrases for Travel
Now you have a better idea of which Cantonese phrases you need to learn. How will you learn them? Follow these tips to help you quickly pick up these basic Cantonese travel phrases.
1) Find a Language Learning App
When you go to your phone’s app store, you’ll find plenty of apps. Make sure the one you keep on your phone has Cantonese as an option. I have noticed that many language apps only have Mandarin, as it’s more widely spoken. So finding a Cantonese-language app might take longer.
Their audio feature will be your best friend, and you can hear the correct way of pronouncing Cantonese phrases.
A language-learning app is more convenient than looking up Cantonese phrases on search engines like Google, since you need mobile data, which might not always be available. On the other hand, not all language apps need mobile data to work.
2) Practice
Is there anyone in your life who can speak Cantonese? Ask them if they can give you mini Cantonese lessons.
Suppose you don’t know anyone who can speak Cantonese. Practice saying the words out loud so your tongue gets used to the movement. Go further by using index cards to help you review the words you want to learn. These are great because you can pull these out at any time, and no one will blink an eye.
3) Listen and Imitate
Cantonese, English, and Mandarin will be everywhere when you’re out and about in Hong Kong. Observe and listen carefully to those around you, and you’ll understand more about the context of the Cantonese phrases and tones.
4) Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself
For perfectionists, Cantonese is extremely tough to learn. Did you know that there are 6 tones? Although your pronunciation might be off, don’t worry because locals can already see you’re trying. You didn’t have to, and if you took the time and effort to learn the language, they’ll already have positive feelings towards you. Your meaningful interactions will also mean you have fond memories like this to look back on.
Final Thoughts – Learning Cantonese Phrases for Travel
Whenever I travel, I try to pick up a few words and phrases in a different language. Learning another language is fun, and it’s also a little trivia you can share with people around you!
You’ll pick up these 12 most commonly used Cantonese phrases fast, too, because you’ll hear these at least a few dozen times on your trip.
It might seem like extra work, but take the time to learn Cantonese travel phrases.
You’ll already stand out as a willing tourist who takes the time and effort to learn another language. You’ll also be proud of yourself and can use this opportunity to form a close bond with Hong Kongers.
Now to You – Learning Cantonese Phrases for Travel
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Xoxo,
Nicole
