你好
In Cantonese 🇭🇰
Language note: The phrase [你好] is pronounced 'nei5 hou2' and is the standard greeting for 'hello.' The tone numbers indicate the Cantonese tones, important in distinguishing meanings.
Culture note: In Hong Kong, a friendly [你好] can be a great conversation starter. Unlike in English, where 'hello' can serve different purposes, in Cantonese [你好] is strictly a greeting, not used for stating attention like 'hello?' in English.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
你
[néih]
you
A pronoun used to refer to the person or people being addressed.
你好，請問你叫咩名？
Hello, may I ask what your name is?
好
[hóu]
good; well
An adjective used to describe something positive or satisfactory.
你好耐冇見，好嗎？
Long time no see, are you doing well?
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