Say Hello in Cantonese — Lesson 1 of the Keep Cantonese Alive Beginner Course
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Whether you're a parent, a partner, or simply curious — it's never too late to keep Cantonese alive.
Welcome to the very first lesson of our free Keep Cantonese Alive Beginner Course — a series designed for anyone who wants to connect with the Cantonese language and culture, no matter where you're starting from.
No experience needed. No pressure. Just a little curiosity and a willingness to try. 🌸
Lesson 1 — Say Hello! 你好
"Every connection starts with a hello."
Let's Learn!
In Cantonese, greetings carry warmth and care. Here are the most important ones to start with:
| Cantonese | Romanisation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 你好 | Nei Ho | Hello |
| 早晨 | Jou San | Good Morning |
| 好久不見 | Ho Gau Mat Gin | Long time no see! |
| 你食咗飯未 | Nei Sik Jo Faan Mei | Have you eaten yet? |
💡 Fun fact: "Have you eaten yet?" is one of the most common Cantonese greetings — it's not really about food, it's about showing you care. Beautiful, isn't it?
Say It Out Loud! 🗣️
Try saying each phrase slowly:
- Nei Ho — "Nay Hoh"
- Jou San — "Joe Sun"
- Ho Gau Mat Gin — "Hoh Gow Mut Gin"
Tip: Cantonese is a tonal language — the rise and fall of your voice changes the meaning. Don't worry about being perfect, just have fun with it!
Try It Today! ✏️
- Say 你好 to someone new today
- Can you teach someone else how to say Good Morning in Cantonese?
- Write 好久不見 and think of someone you haven't spoken to in a while — maybe it's time to reach out!
Your Cantonese Card 🃏
This lesson pairs beautifully with the 好久不見 greeting card from Lolo Little Space — a perfect way to put your new phrase into action and send someone a little piece of Cantonese culture.
👉 Shop the Cantonese card collection here
Want the Printable PDF Version?
Sign up to get the free printable PDF of Lesson 1 delivered straight to your inbox — perfect for keeping on your desk or sharing with someone you love.
Up Next — Lesson 2: Celebrate! 生日快樂
In our next lesson we'll learn how to wish someone a happy birthday and celebrate in true Cantonese style. 🎂
Keep Cantonese alive — one phrase at a time. 🌸
— Lolo Little Space