man6 hou2問好问好
Jyutpingman6 hou2
Yalemanh hóu
Definition
To say hello to
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
Carries a sense of genuine concern or polite social obligation rather than just a casual greeting. It is often used when asking a third party to convey well wishes to someone who is not present. While formal in some contexts, it is frequently used to express care for elderly relatives or friends who have been unwell.
Examples
gin3 dou2 keoi5 gei3 dak1 bong1 ngo5 man6 hou2 aa4
見到佢記得幫我問好呀。
Remember to send my regards when you see him.
nei5 gei2 si4 jau5 hung1 heoi3 tung4 keoi5 man6 hou2
你幾時有空去同佢問好？
When are you free to go and check on him?
Related words
Common phrases
doi6 ngo5 man6 hou2
代我問好
give my regards for me
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the casual greeting 你好, which is used when meeting someone face-to-face. 問好 implies a message of concern or a formal inquiry about someone's well-being, often delivered through a messenger.
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
