How to Say Thank You in Cantonese

Thank You Depends on What You Are Thanking For

Cantonese has two words and they are not interchangeable. 唔該 (m̀h gōi) thanks someone for doing something: holding a door, pouring your tea, driving you somewhere, handing you your change. 多謝 (dō jeh) thanks someone for giving you something: a gift, a discount or a compliment. In a shop or a taxi, 唔該 (m̀h gōi) is the one you want.

The Same Word Also Means Excuse Me and Please

唔該 (m̀h gōi) is used to get a waiter's attention, to ask someone to let you past on a crowded train, and to soften a request.

Cantonese Has Its Own Words for Thank You

Cantonese is spoken in Hong Kong, Macau and Guangdong province, and it is a separate spoken language from Mandarin rather than an accent. The Mandarin 謝謝 (xièxie) will be understood in Hong Kong. However it is not what people there say, and 唔該 (m̀h gōi) has no Mandarin equivalent.

The Usual Reply to Thanks

The most common reply is 唔使客氣 (m̀h sái haak hei), "no need to stand on ceremony". 唔使唔該 (m̀h sái m̀h gōi), "no need to thank me", is just as common. In a busy shop you will sometimes get not receive a reply.

• 多謝

  dō jeh

  DOH-jeh

  For something given to you: a gift, a discount or a compliment. A shopkeeper will say it to you when you pay.

• 唔該晒

  m̀h gōi saai

  mm-GOY sigh

  Thank you very much, for a favor that took real trouble.

• 多謝晒

  dō jeh saai

  DOH-jeh sigh

  Thanks for everything. Warmer, and for real generosity.

• 感謝

  gám jeh

  GUM-jeh

  Formal thanks, and mostly written rather than said.