Since I have mastered many languages in this life, my first suggestion to anyone wanting to learn a new or foreign language is to think in the new language. This will hasten up your progress.
It will also eliminate the problem of translating your thoughts or answers from your native language (in mind) to foreign language (speaking, listening, reading, writing, etc.) or vice versa.
So here then are some basic words in both Cantonese and Mandarin:
| English | Cantonese | Mandarin |
| I | Ngo | Wo |
| You | Nai/Lai | Ne/Nee |
| Us | Ngo Tei | Wo Men |
| They/Them | Khui Tei | Tha Men |
Pronunciation Guide:
Cantonese is (sort of) nasal language. So while pronouncing "Ngo" (equivalent of I) put some emphasis on the n sound. There is no movement of tongue involved. Drawing in a little bit of air (sort of inhaling) will help a bit in correct pronunciation. The Mandarin equivalent is "Wo" where the sound is very similar to the English word "war" though drop the r from "War" and you almost have the Mandarin "Wo" = I or me.
For the second word above (You), there is a difference of opinion (at least among Hong Kong people). During conversation, most Hong Kong people pronounce "You" as "Lai". Very similar to the Hawaiian "lei" (as in the dress of leaves, etc.). However, the correct pronunciation (usually spoken by singers while singing) is "Nai" or "Nei" and the pronunciation should come close enough to the English word "Neigh" (as in the sound made by horses or horses were "neighing"). Though lose the "gh" part from the English word "Neigh" and you almost have the Cantonese pronunciation.
The Mandarin equivalent is also close enough to the "Nei" of "Neigh" above. Though many Chinese in mainland China pronounce "Ne" or "Nee" (You) similar to English word "Knee" (as in body limb). So while speaking Mandarin, just use the pronunciation of English word "Knee" and people should (mostly) understand what you mean.
The third word above (Us) should be easy in both languages if you have mastered the first two words (above). However, in the Cantonese "Tei" you should avoid using the deep (English) pronunciation of T and instead use the light pronunciation of T (as in French T, that is if you are familiar with French language).
If you understand the difference between T and light pronunciation of T, then my suggestion is you try to pronounce "They" (English) without the "h" sound and use the light T to begin the word. You will almost make the Cantonese "Tei" pronunciation. Or you can continue saying "Ngo They" (though the English pronunciation "They" here is wrong) until someone corrects you.
The Mandarin equivalent - "Wo Men" or rather the "Men" is a bit tricky. It is not same as the English word - Men, but the pronunciation is similar to "Man" from "Manchuria". Or even the pronunciation of "Man" from "Mantra". Practice it and you should be able to get it.
The fourth word is a bit easy. Just speak the way you read it in English (for Cantonese pronunciation of Khui) and the "Tha" from "Tha Men" is similar to Tha of Thailand.
Even though the explanations of pronunciations (above) sounds complex, in practicality they are not. If the need be, I recommend you read this post two or more times and then practice the pronunciation and words herein.
These are the most basic words you will use everyday and even if you are a slow learner or don't have enough time, 10 to 15 minutes a day should work wonders.
From tomorrow, I will move the explanation of 'Pronunciation Guide' and notes in the extended post section. Though any further suggestions from readers or those interested are most welcome.
Points of note:
a) Mandarin pronunciation are closely related to English pronunciation. Practically, there are 4 and half tones in Mandarin.
b) Cantonese pronunciations are very difficult. Theoretically, there are 9 different tones (or intonations) for each pronunciation. However, most people only manage to speak about 6 to 8 out of these.
c) It is said that Chiu Chow language has 18 tones. Though I have not verified. While my wife was born in Hong Kong, (both) her parents are from Chiu Chow (the same place where tycoon Li Ka Shing is from = Shan Thou or Xantau). My skills with Chiu Chow language are very poor. Besides, there is no need for you to learn that language.
Recent Comments