Useful Expressions p.21

Question 1

Reply: Quite good, thanks for asking.

Answer 1

géi(2) hóu(2), jǎu(5) sām(1)

géi = quote
sām = have

Question 2

Reply: I’m fine

Answer 2

hóu hóu

Question 3

Reply: Just so-so

Answer 3

màa máa déi

Question 4

Reply: Not so good

Answer 4

`m hãi(6) géi(2) hóu(2)

Question 5

Reply: Not good

Answer 5

`m(4) hóu(2)

Question 6

Hey! (between closer acquaintances)

Answer 6

wåi

Question 7

Hello! (informal)

Answer 7

hāa(1) lóu(2)

Question 8

Good morning

Answer 8

zóu sàn

Question 9

Good night/ sleep well

Answer 9

zóu táu

Question 10

To ask “How are you?” around meal times:

Answer 10

sĩk(6) zó(2) fãan(6) mẽi(6) åa?

Question 11

Yes, I’ve eaten

Answer 11

sĩk(6) zó(2) låa

sĩk(6) = eat
zó = done

Question 12

I haven’t eaten yet

Answer 12

mẽi(6) åa(3)

mẽi(6) = not yet

Question 13

Goodbye (slightly formal)

Answer 13

zo̊i g˚in

Question 14

Bye bye!

Answer 14

bāai(1) bāai(1)

Question 15

tīng(1) jãt(6) g˚in(3)

Answer 15

See you tomorrow

Question 16

jāt(1) zãn(6) g˚in(3)

Answer 16

See you later

Question 17

Take care! (Mind your step)

Answer 17

mãan(6) máan(2) hàang

mãan(6) máan = slowly
hàang = walk

Question 18

Welcome!

Answer 18

fūn(1) jìng(4)

Question 19

Thank you (for a service, to make a request more politely)

Answer 19

`m gōi

Question 20

Thank you (for a gift, an invitation, or compliment)

Answer 20

dō(1) zẽ(6)

Question 21

`m sái(2) håak(3) he̊i(3)

Answer 21

You’re welcome

`m = not
sái(2) = need
håak he̊i = polite

Question 22

de̊oi `m zỹu(6)

Answer 22

I’m sorry (quite serious)

Question 23

Sorry (not so serious)/ It’s embarrassing

Answer 23

`m hóu(2) j˚i sī(1)

`m = not
hóu(2) = good
j˚i sī(1) = meaning

Question 24

`m gán j˚iu

Answer 24

Nevermind/ Don’t worry

`m = not
gán j˚iu = important

Question 25

No problem

Answer 25

mǒu mãn(6) tài(4)

mǒu = have not
mãn(6) taì(4) = problem

Question 26

The bill!

Answer 26

màai(4) dāan(1)

Question 27

I want to get off (the vehicle)

Answer 27

jǎu lõk

jǎu = have to
lõk = descend

Question 28

Stop (the car) here!

Answer 28

nī dõu(6) tìng(4) (cē(1))

Question 29

Please wait a moment

Answer 29

`m gōi(1) dáng dáng

Question 30

Excuse me (please let me go through)

Answer 30

`m gōi ze̊ ze̊

Question 31

Faster, please

Answer 31

`m gōi, fåai dĩ

Question 32

Freeze! Don’t move, give me the money!

Answer 32

mǎi(5) jūk(1), béi(2) cín(2) ngǒ(5)

mǎi(5) = don’t
jūk(1) = move
béi(2) = give
cín = money

Question 33

Help!

Answer 33

gåu(3) mẽng(6) åa!

gåu(3) = save
mẽng(6) = life

Question 34

Please call the police!

Answer 34

`m gōi(1) dáa(2) gáu(2) gáu(2) gáu(2)

Question 35

I don’t know

Answer 35

ngǒ `m zī(1)