Question Words

1. 乜嘢？

   mat1 je5?

   What?

   Usage

   The question word to ask what something is or what was said

2. 邊度？

   bin1 dou6?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a place; point at a map or an object while you say it

3. 幾時？

   gei2 si4?

   When?

   Usage

   Asks about time — departures, opening hours

4. 邊個？

   bin1 go3?

   Who?

   Usage

   Asks about a person, including who is in charge

5. 點解？

   dim2 gaai2?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason; keep your tone soft so it does not sound like an accusation

6. 點樣？

   dim2 joeng2?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks for a method — how to get there, how to use something

7. 幾多個？

   gei2 do1 go3?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a number of things, people, or stops

8. 幾多錢？

   gei2 do1 cin2?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The standard way to ask a price — the most used shopping question

9. 邊一個？

   bin1 jat1 go3?

   Which one?

   Usage

   Choosing among options; use it while pointing

10. 呢個係乜嘢？

    ni1 go3 hai6 mat1 je5?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at a dish or an item to ask what it is — handy in markets and eateries

11. 廁所喺邊度？

    ci3 so2 hai2 bin1 dou6?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most used travel questions; fine to ask anyone

12. 而家幾點？

    ji4 gaa1 gei2 dim2?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the current time — useful while waiting for transport

13. 有冇？

    jau5 mou5?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is available; point at the item and it works

14. 得唔得？

    dak1 m4 dak1?

    Can you do it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is possible — a discount, a repair, a takeaway

15. 要唔要錢？

    jiu3 m4 jiu3 cin2?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Check whether luggage storage, entry, or Wi-Fi costs money

16. 係咪免費？

    hai6 mai6 min5 fai3?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Check whether a sample, a map, or a shuttle is free of charge

17. 得唔得？

    dak1 m4 dak1?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    Asks for permission; pair it with pointing

18. 唔得咩？

    m4 dak1 me1?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    Used to double-check after being turned down

19. 你冇事嘛？

    nei5 mou5 si6 maa3?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Used to check on someone's wellbeing — a different role from "得唔得？" (asking permission)

20. 真㗎？

    zan1 gaa3?

    Really?

    Usage

    A short reaction confirming something surprising

21. 你肯定？

    nei5 hang2 ding6?

    Are you sure?

    Usage

    Presses for confirmation of a fact — more formal than "真㗎？"

22. 你邊度嚟㗎？

    nei5 bin1 dou6 lei4 gaa3?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A classic conversation starter

23. 你叫咩名？

    nei5 giu3 me1 meng2?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A classic conversation starter

24. 你幾多歲？

    nei5 gei2 do1 seoi3?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Commonly asked of older people, but can feel intrusive with, e.g., young women — read the relationship before asking

25. 可唔可以一齊影張相？

    ho2 m4 ho2 ji5 jat1 cai4 jing2 zoeng1 soeng2?

    Can we take a photo together?

    Usage

    Asks for permission to take a photo together

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