Feelings

1. 開心

   hoi1 sam1

   Happy / Glad

   Usage

   The everyday word for feeling good right now — show it when you receive a gift or a kindness

2. 幸福

   hang6 fuk1

   Blessed / Content

   Usage

   Unlike the momentary "hoi1 sam1", this is contentment with life as a whole

3. 好笑

   hou2 siu3

   Funny

   Usage

   Say it about a joke or a situation. Aimed at a person it sounds mocking, so keep it to events

4. 興奮

   hing1 fan5

   Excited

   Usage

   For the start of a trip or a plan you look forward to. "Hou2 kei4 doi6" fits the same moment

5. 自豪

   zi6 hou4

   Proud

   Usage

   For pride in what you or your people achieved. Aimed at someone else it reads as praise, so it never offends

6. 放心

   fong3 sam1

   Reassured

   Usage

   "Nei5 fong3 sam1" turns it into "don't worry", used to calm someone else down

7. 鬆一口氣

   sung1 jat1 hau2 hei3

   What a relief

   Usage

   For the moment a worry lifts — a lost item found, a ferry caught in time

8. 我愛你

   ngo5 oi3 nei5

   I love you

   Usage

   A weighty phrase for a partner or family, not for friends. In daily life "zung1 ji3" is far more natural

9. 鍾意

   zung1 ji3

   I like it

   Usage

   Cantonese says "zung1 ji3", not the Mandarin "xǐhuan". Works for things, places, and food; about a person it declares affection

10. 掛住你

    gwaa3 zyu6 nei5

    I miss you

    Usage

    Cantonese "gwaa3 zyu6" means both to miss and to be concerned about someone. For people you are close to

11. 唔開心

    m4 hoi1 sam1

    Feeling down

    Usage

    "M4" is the Cantonese negator, equivalent to Mandarin "bù". The standard way to say you are a bit down

12. 傷心

    soeng1 sam1

    Heartbroken / Sad

    Usage

    Deeper than "m4 hoi1 sam1" — for partings and loss

13. 可惜

    ho2 sik1

    What a shame

    Usage

    The response to a near miss — a shop closed, the weather turned

14. 失望

    sat1 mong6

    Disappointed

    Usage

    For when expectations are not met. Aimed at a person it is a hard rebuke, so say it about the situation

15. 寂寞

    zik6 mok6

    Lonely

    Usage

    For a long solo trip. In daily speech "hou2 mun6" often covers both loneliness and boredom

16. 嬲

    nau1

    Angry

    Usage

    A Cantonese-only character, equivalent to Mandarin "shēngqì". "Ngo5 hou2 nau1" is "I'm really angry". When complaining, soften it so it does not attack the person

17. 煩

    faan4

    Annoyed

    Usage

    Muttered about your own irritation. Do not say "nei5 hou2 faan4", which blames the other person

18. 驚

    geng1

    Scared

    Usage

    Cantonese uses "geng1", not "hàipà". "Ngo5 hou2 geng1" is "I'm scared" — also useful for declining a height or an activity

19. 嚇一跳

    haak3 jat1 tiu3

    I was startled

    Usage

    The reflex line when someone appears out of nowhere. It carries no blame

20. 擔心

    daam1 sam1

    Worried

    Usage

    Show it when you are anxious about luggage or a connection. "M4 sai2 daam1 sam1" means don't worry

21. 壓力好大

    aat3 lik6 hou2 daai6

    Stressed out

    Usage

    Literally "the pressure is very big". Cantonese intensifies with "hou2" rather than the Mandarin "hěn"

22. 尷尬

    gaam3 gaai3

    Awkward

    Usage

    Say it about yourself after a slip has made things awkward. Aimed at someone else it sounds accusing

23. 害羞

    hoi6 sau1

    Shy / Bashful

    Usage

    For blushing moments — being photographed, being praised. It carries no blame, so it is safe with anyone

24. 悶

    mun6

    Bored

    Usage

    Cantonese prefers "mun6" to "mou4 liu4". Use it about your own idleness — applied to a person or thing it is harsh criticism

25. 攰

    gui6

    Tired

    Usage

    A Cantonese-only character, equivalent to Mandarin "lèi". "Hou2 gui6" is "so tired" — show it when you need a break

26. 眼瞓

    ngaan5 fan3

    Sleepy

    Usage

    A distinctly Cantonese word, literally "eyes sleep". Distinct from "gui6", which is physical tiredness

27. 我冇事

    ngo5 mou5 si6

    I'm fine

    Usage

    "Mou5" is the Cantonese "not have". The line that reassures someone after a stumble or when they are worried about you

28. 唔舒服

    m4 syu1 fuk6

    I feel unwell

    Usage

    Covers feeling ill in general. After showing it, point at a part in the body category to move things along

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