Photography

1. 唔該幫我影張相。

   m4 goi1 bong1 ngo5 jing2 zoeng1 soeng2.

   Excuse me, could you take a photo for me?

   Usage

   A go-to phrase for asking a stranger to take your photo at a tourist spot

   Grammar Note

   "影相" is Cantonese for taking photos. "張" is the measure word for photos

2. 呢度可唔可以影相？

   ni1 dou6 ho2 m4 ho2 ji5 jing2 soeng2?

   Is it allowed to take photos here?

   Usage

   Checking if photography is permitted in temples, museums or private areas

   Grammar Note

   "可唔可以" asks for permission. "影相" is a distinctively Cantonese term for taking photos

3. 維多利亞港嘅夜景真係好靚！

   wai4 do1 lei6 aa3 gong2 ge3 je6 ging2 zan1 hai6 hou2 leng3!

   The night view of Victoria Harbour is truly gorgeous!

   Usage

   Victoria Harbour's night skyline is one of the most photographed in the world

   Grammar Note

   "真係" is Cantonese for "truly/really". "好靚" = "very beautiful"

4. 我想買記憶卡。

   ngo5 soeng2 maai5 gei3 jik1 kaat1.

   I'd like to buy a memory card.

   Usage

   Used in camera shops or electronics markets to buy a memory card

   Grammar Note

   "記憶卡" translates "memory card". "卡" means card (from English "card")

5. 可唔可以同我合照？

   ho2 m4 ho2 ji5 tung4 ngo5 hap6 ziu3?

   Can we take a photo together?

   Usage

   Asking someone if you can take a photo together

   Grammar Note

   "同" is a Cantonese preposition meaning "with". "合照" = group/joint photo

6. 光線唔夠，要打燈㗎。

   gwong1 sin3 m4 gau3, jiu3 daa2 dang1 gaa3.

   The lighting is insufficient — we need to turn on a light.

   Usage

   Pointing out insufficient lighting during indoor or night photography

   Grammar Note

   "唔夠" means "not enough". "打燈" = turn on artificial lighting

7. 呢張相影得好靚！

   ni1 zoeng1 soeng2 jing2 dak1 hou2 leng3!

   This photo turned out really well!

   Usage

   A compliment on a photo — used when viewing pictures with someone

   Grammar Note

   "Verb + 得 + adjective" is a resultative complement. "影得好靚" = "took [it] beautifully"

8. 有冇得沖曬？

   jau5 mou5 dak1 cung1 saai3?

   Is film developing or printing available here?

   Usage

   Film photography is making a comeback in HK — asking about developing services

   Grammar Note

   "有冇得 + verb" is Cantonese for "is [service] available?" — a useful service-enquiry pattern

9. 我想打印相片。

   ngo5 soeng2 daa2 jan3 soeng2 pin2.

   I'd like to print photos.

   Usage

   Used in a convenience store or photo shop to print digital photos

   Grammar Note

   "打印" means to print. "相片" = photo — from "相" (image) + "片" (thin piece)

10. 日落時分去山頂影相最靚。

    jat6 lok6 si4 fan6 heoi3 saan1 deng2 jing2 soeng2 zeoi3 leng3.

    Going to Victoria Peak at sunset for photos is the most beautiful.

    Usage

    Victoria Peak (山頂) is one of Hong Kong's most popular photography spots

    Grammar Note

    "最 + adjective" is the superlative. "山頂" is the local name for Victoria Peak

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