Language in Hong Kong
There are two official languages in Hong Kong: Chinese (predominantly Cantonese) and English. This article is full of helpful advice and basic phrases you can use to make your trip easier.
In shops, hotels and tourist attractions, English is generally used. However, you'll notice that people speak to each other in Cantonese and street merchants may not speak English.
While you'll be able to get around speaking English, we always recommend learning a few basic phrases in your destination's language to show respect for the local people and their culture.
Greetings
- Hello
- Nǐ hǎo
- Goodbye
- Zàijiàn
- Good morning
- Nǐ zǎo
- Good afternoon
- Wǎnshàng hǎo
- Please
- Quing
- Thank you
- Xiè-xiè
- You're welcome
- Bù yòng xiè
At the restaurant
- Snack
- Kāiwèi cài
- Ice cream
- Bīng
- Milk
- Niúnǎi
- Tea
- Chá
- Roast
- Kǎo
- Cooked
- Shú
- Fried
- Yóu jiān
- Salt
- Yán
- Pepper
- Hújiāo
- Onion
- Yángcōng
- Garlic
- Dàsuàn
- Prawns
- Dà xiā
- Vegetables
- Shūcài
- Fish
- Yú lèi
- Lamb
- Yángròu
- Rice
- Dàmǐ
- Chicken
- Jī
- Pork
- Zhū ròu
- Beef
- Xiǎo niúròu
- Fruit
- Shuǐguǒ
- The bill
- Zhànghào
Days of the week
- Monday
- Zhōuyī
- Tuesday
- Zhōu'èr
- Wednesday
- Zhōusān
- Thursday
- Zhōu sì
- Friday
- Zhōu wǔ
- Saturday
- Zhōu liù
- Sunday
- Zhōu rì
Numbers
- One
- Yi
- Two
- Er
- Three
- San
- Four
- Si
- Five
- Wu
- Six
- Liu
- Seven
- Qi
- Eight
- Ba
- Nine
- Jiu
- Ten
- Shi