How to Say Thank you and Please in Cantonese Correctly

The two different ways to say “Thank you” in Cantonese is often very confusing to Cantonese learners. There is a dedicated article to help you understand when to use 唔該 m4 goi1 and 多謝 do1 ze6 in Cantonese. If you don’t know the differences between the two, please read this article first.

Let’s review! There are two different ways to say “Thank you” in Cantonese. For small favors, you will also use 唔該 m4 goi1, whereas, for bigger favors, you will say 多謝 do1 ze6.

If you haven’t read this article about 唔該 m4 goi1 and 多謝 do1 ze6, one quick way to differentiate the two is to consider if money is involved in the situation. When you are receiving something with monetary value, you should use 多謝 do1 ze6. On the other hand, in a situation where the money is not involved, you will say 唔該 m4 goi1. However, there are exceptions too, so please make sure you read this article.

There is no “Please” in Cantonese

You read it correctly – There is no “Please” in Cantonese. But it doesn’t mean that we are impolite. We do say something similar, which has an equvalent meaning to “Thank You.” When you are in a situation where you need to say “Please,” say 唔該 m4 goi1. Again, please read the article about when to use 唔該 m4 goi1.

“Thank you” in Cantonese 唔該 m4 goi1

You can say 唔該 m4 goi1 in a situation where money and gifts are not presented. For example, when something is holding the door for you.

Listen to the audio track below to learn the pronunciation in Cantonese

“Thank you” in Cantonese 多謝 do1 ze6

For something more than a small favor, e.g. when you receive a gift or someone bought you dinner, you should say 多謝 do1 ze6.

Listen to the audio track below to learn the pronunciation in Cantonese

IMPORTANT! When someone gives you their congratulations, which is 恭喜 gung1 hei2, you should always reply with 多謝 do1 ze6 even if there’s no gift or money involved in this situation

“Thank you very much” in Cantonese 多謝晒 do1 ze6 saai3

To express more sincere gratitude, you may add 晒 saai3 at the end of the phrase. Which has a similar meaning to “very much” in this context

Listen to the audio track below to learn the pronunciation in Cantonese

We sometimes say “Thank you very very much” 好多謝晒 hou2 do1 ze6 saai3

Be aware that it is correct to say 唔該晒 m4 goi1 saai3 but you can’t say 好唔該晒 hou2 m4 goi1 saai3

Listen to the audio track below to learn the pronunciation in Cantonese

Other ways to say “Thank You” in Cantonese

Because the Chinese culture is a very hierarchical so sometimes the elderly people won’t say “Thank You” to you. Don’t be suprised when someone more senior not saying “Thank You” to you. It’s not because the person is impolite, it’s just the culture. Also, you might sometimes hear a more subtle way to thank others, for example, thanking people for their hard work.

“Thank you for your hard work” in Cantonese 辛苦晒 san1 fu2 saai3

When someone finished a tough task for you, you can thank the person in a different way by using the word 辛苦 san1 fu2, in Cantonese it means something very tough and challenging.

For situations such as:

• When a friend helped you move house
• Your employee finished a difficult task
• Your Cantonese teacher put together this free learning website

Listen to the audio track below to learn the pronunciation in Cantonese

“Thank you for dealing with the trouble” in Cantonese 麻煩晒 maa4 faan4 saai3

Sometimes if someone spends his/her time helping you with something particularly annoying. The word 麻煩 maa4 faan4 in Cantonese means “hassle” or “to trouble.”

For situations such as:

• When a friend helped you sort out your tax return
• Your employee ran errands for you
• Your Cantonese teacher changed his schedule for you

Listen to the audio track below to learn the pronunciation in Cantonese

Conclusion

The two ways to say Thank You in Cantonese may seem confusing, but once you remember the rules, you will be able to understand when to use which. You have also learned to add 晒 saai3 at the end to express a higher level of gratitude. Remember, there are also other different ways to express your gratitude such as 辛苦晒 san1 fu2 saai3 “Thank You For Your Hard Work” and 麻煩晒 maa4 faan4 saai3 “Thank You For Dealing with the Trouble” for different situations. Whether you are a Cantonese student or just curious about the language, hope you find this article useful. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram. We also have a YouTube channel with many useful Cantonese learning videos.