246 results found
Definition: A romanised Cantonese phrase that westernised Hong Kongers use to ask a shopkeeper how much something costs, which is extremely effective when bargaining for a lower price at wet markets. It can also be shortened to 'gay cheen' (幾錢).
Usage: E.g. Gay dor cheen? (幾多錢?)
E.g. Gay cheen? (幾錢?)Synonym: 幾多錢?Reference: https://homekong.com.hk/blogs/read/helpful-cantonese-phrases-to-know
Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe someone who does not know anyone. Originated from a game similar to Rummikub where pulling cards should add up to nine, but not over. Otherwise, the player will lose the game.
Usage: E.g. I have never been to this event before! Everyone was like 'three does not know seven'!Synonym: 三唔識七Reference: https://www.localiiz.com/post/culture-local-stories-popular-cantonese-idioms
Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe that something must be done no matter how worse the situation is.
Usage: E.g. I don't care three seven twenty one. This project must proceed!Synonym: 唔理三七廿一Reference: https://www.ourchinastory.com/zh/5530/何謂「唔理三七廿一」？%C2%A0
Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing idiom used by native Hong Kongers to describe a situation where you cannot force someone into seeking help if they do not accept it.
Usage: E.g. I offered to help him with his homework but he never sent it over. Oh well... if the cow doesn't drink water, you cannot press the cow's head down.Synonym: 牛唔飲水唔撳得牛頭低Reference: https://www.localiiz.com/post/culture-local-stories-popular-cantonese-idioms
Definition: A code-mixing term that is abbreviated from the word 'condom'. Sometimes, it is called 'dom dom'. (dam4 dam2)
Usage: E.g. 冇帶dom？！我唔同你做！
E.g. 今日有冇帶dom dom呀？
Definition: A code-mixing term that Hong Kongers often use to refer to downloading files from the internet. ('下載') Sometimes, it is shortened to 'down' instead.
Usage: E.g. Download個file落黎，再send比我呀唔該。Synonym: 下載
Definition: A nicer-sounding phrase than '重複檢查' or '檢查兩次', which means to check again or check two times.
Usage: E.g. 每次考試時記住double check份卷。
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