Thanks Tuey for your inquiry of how to say biattttchh!! Well normally i'm not one to swear but when learning a new language I think it essential to know a few back up words - cos ppl gonna swear at you behind your back and at least you can know that and say "nei hay ba po" which means "you are a bitch".
Nah seriously today's lesson is about compliments and non-compliments (i.e. put downs). I think theses are essential for getting along with people and thats what i'm about - but its also good to have a few negative compliments for those people who deserve it.
So here's a few random phrases for you to ponder:
hou leng = good looking (you can extend the houuuuuuuuuuuuuu to add more emphasis)
m cho = not bad
mow cho = your right
hou hern = smell good
hou sik = delicious
waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa = woooooh mamaaaaaaa
leng lui = pretty girl
ngo hou pung yau = my good friend
lui pung yau = my girlfriend
ngo tai tai = my wife
nei chee sinn = you're crazy
gee see = selfish
ba po = (dont say this!)
xxxxxx = learn it yourself
Chaps concentrate on the positives and all will go well with you!
Choi Kin Leng Lui, Leng Chays
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
Beef Noodle Soup - Pho
Leng lui, leng chays - dim a?
Before we get started on new words, I just want to respond to the comment that "conversation is the best way to learn cantonese (thanks Ninja ba po!)"
I totally agree but add that repetition is important so as you are practicing the language you will need to write down the words you learn - and what better way than via alphabetical pinyin - if anyone can think of a better way of recording new words then I am definitely open to suggestions!
Now onto today's topic: eating pho (beef noodle soup) - one of my favourite past times! So what words would I need to know when eating out somewhere in Hong Kong?
1. Ngo siew yiew yum kafe m goi? I need a coffee please
2. Yut gor pho m goi? One bowl of pho please
3. Li gor hou sik! This is delicious
4. Ngo bow! I am full
5. Ngo yi ga hoi sum! I am happy (content) now!
Other useful words:
ping go jup = apple juice
chang jup = orange juice
cha = tea
b chau = beer
chau = wine
kafe = coffee
Choi kin my pung yaus (friends)!
Before we get started on new words, I just want to respond to the comment that "conversation is the best way to learn cantonese (thanks Ninja ba po!)"
I totally agree but add that repetition is important so as you are practicing the language you will need to write down the words you learn - and what better way than via alphabetical pinyin - if anyone can think of a better way of recording new words then I am definitely open to suggestions!
Now onto today's topic: eating pho (beef noodle soup) - one of my favourite past times! So what words would I need to know when eating out somewhere in Hong Kong?
1. Ngo siew yiew yum kafe m goi? I need a coffee please
2. Yut gor pho m goi? One bowl of pho please
3. Li gor hou sik! This is delicious
4. Ngo bow! I am full
5. Ngo yi ga hoi sum! I am happy (content) now!
Other useful words:
ping go jup = apple juice
chang jup = orange juice
cha = tea
b chau = beer
chau = wine
kafe = coffee
Choi kin my pung yaus (friends)!
Leng Chay, Leng Lui
Hello my name is Phil and this is my blog about the journey of learning Cantonese from scratch.
Firstly let me introduce myself - I am Australian and English is my first language. My motivation to learn Cantonese is so that I can speak to my sister and her family in Hong Kong. As a English speaker, I have to say that learning Cantonese is difficult. What has helped me the most is writing down Cantonese words in a form of "pinyin" alphabetical language - and although there seems to be no official pinyin for Cantonese, I believe it is good practice to write down what you hear and the only way I can do that is via a made-up pinyin. Anyway - you choose for yourself whether such a technique will help you.
The first words I have learned in Cantonese is Leng Chay and Leng Lui which means 'handsome' and 'beautiful' respectively. These words are very common greetings in Hong Kong and can be used in as alternatives to normal address like Mr, Mrs, Ms etc. For example, "leng chay, can i have a glass of sou (water) m goi (please)". This would be a normal way of asking a waiter for a glass of water. These first words have been very beneficial to me as they were great conversation starters.
Today was just a taste of what future lessons will be about. I wish you the best for your Cantonese learning endeavours. See you next time for more Cantonese words.
Choi Kin, Leng Chay Phil
Firstly let me introduce myself - I am Australian and English is my first language. My motivation to learn Cantonese is so that I can speak to my sister and her family in Hong Kong. As a English speaker, I have to say that learning Cantonese is difficult. What has helped me the most is writing down Cantonese words in a form of "pinyin" alphabetical language - and although there seems to be no official pinyin for Cantonese, I believe it is good practice to write down what you hear and the only way I can do that is via a made-up pinyin. Anyway - you choose for yourself whether such a technique will help you.
The first words I have learned in Cantonese is Leng Chay and Leng Lui which means 'handsome' and 'beautiful' respectively. These words are very common greetings in Hong Kong and can be used in as alternatives to normal address like Mr, Mrs, Ms etc. For example, "leng chay, can i have a glass of sou (water) m goi (please)". This would be a normal way of asking a waiter for a glass of water. These first words have been very beneficial to me as they were great conversation starters.
Today was just a taste of what future lessons will be about. I wish you the best for your Cantonese learning endeavours. See you next time for more Cantonese words.
Choi Kin, Leng Chay Phil
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