Greetings
你好 (Néih hóu)
nay-HO
Hello (Cantonese). English is an official language and widely spoken, but a little Cantonese is warmly received.
早晨 (Jóu sàhn)
joh-SAHN
Good morning — the cheerful greeting in lifts, shops and offices until about noon.
Daily life
唔該 (M̀h gōi)
mm-GOY
Thank you (for a service) / excuse me / please — the single most useful phrase in Hong Kong. Use it to thank a waiter, get past someone, or call for attention.
幾錢 (Géi chín?)
gay-CHEEN
How much is it? Handy at markets and dai pai dong stalls — though most shops have fixed prices and bargaining is mainly for street markets.
八達通 (Baat daaht tūng)
baat-daat-TUNG
Octopus card — the tap card for the MTR, buses, ferries, trams and every convenience store. The first thing every newcomer buys.
唔識講廣東話 (M̀h sīk góng Gwóngdūngwá)
mm-sik-gong-gwong-dung-wa
I don't speak Cantonese. Most younger Hong Kongers and all of business speaks English, so this plus a smile is plenty.
Social
多謝 (Dō jeh)
DOH-je
Thank you (for a gift or genuine favour). The 'm̀h gōi' vs 'dō jeh' distinction trips up newcomers: service vs gift. Get it right and locals notice.
加油 (Gā yáu)
ga-YAU
Literally 'add oil' — 'you can do it! / keep going!'. The all-purpose Hong Kong cheer of encouragement, now famous worldwide.
Food
飲茶 (Yám chàh)
yum-CHA
Literally 'drink tea' — the invitation to go for dim sum. 'Yum cha' is a whole weekend ritual of tea, dumplings and trolleys; being asked is a friendly gesture.
凍檸茶 (Dung lìhng chàh)
dung-ling-CHA
Iced lemon tea — the default order at a cha chaan teng (HK diner), alongside milk tea (奶茶, náaih chàh) and pineapple buns. Cha chaan teng culture is the city's soul.
唔該埋單 (M̀h gōi màaih dāan)
mm-goy-mai-DAAN
Bill, please. 'Màaih dāan' is the check — call it out to the waiter at a cha chaan teng or restaurant when you're ready to pay.
Emergency
救命 (Gau mehng!)
gau-MENG
Help! / Save me! For emergencies dial 999 (police, fire, ambulance); 112 also connects from any mobile.
Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.