Non-Cantonese speakers are always asking me how to say “hello” in the language.  The truth is, there isn’t really a way to do so.  On the phone, one might say “wai?” but that’s not super-formal.  And “nay ho” and even “nay ho mah” isn’t appropriate all the time, either (a little bit too stuffy).  I realize that these are “typical” first questions when one wants to learn a new language, but I feel that sometimes, we forget that many cultures have been influenced by the outside, either through colonialism or media and have adapted some aspects.  I also think other useful phrases like “where’s the bathroom”

Since many people in Hong Kong are fashionistas, and often experimental at that (especially if they’re young), it’s probably good to know a few phrases if you think someone is a bit over-the-top in terms of what he or she is wearing.  Definitely try some of the phrases above the next time you see someone who looks just bit…off, if you know what I mean.  And yes, add all the eye rolls and gags you want :).

The last one is quite useful if you ever hear someone say “Mmm gau ming pai, mmmm dai mai” (“the designer/brand/name is not well-known enough.  It isn’t worth the buy”).  And yes, I actually heard this in real life at a high end department store a few years ago.  Cantonese speakers: Am I missing anything?  Feel free to input!

p.s. In Cantonese, “where’s the bathroom?” is “ching mun sai sau gahn hai been?”