First Words
Essential greetings and basic phrases for everyday conversations
Every conversation has to start somewhere, and this unit gives you the words that open it. You will learn how to greet people, say thank you and sorry, agree, disagree, and ask politely, all in natural spoken Cantonese.
These are the phrases locals use dozens of times a day, so they are the fastest way to learn Cantonese that actually sticks. Master this unit and you will already sound friendly and polite from your very first hello.
- 1Hello & GoodbyeLearn essential greetings
- 2
Thank You & SorryExpress gratitude and apologies - 3
Yes & NoLearn to agree and disagree - 4
Please & Excuse MePolite requests and getting attention - 5
Common ResponsesQuick responses for everyday situations 
The six tonesGrammar- Saying yes and noGrammar
Test your knowledgeQuiz
Frequently asked questions
How do you say hello in Cantonese?
The most common greeting is 你好 (nei5 hou2), which works in almost any situation. In the morning you can also say 早晨 (zou2 san4), meaning “good morning.”
What are the most important Cantonese phrases for beginners?
Start with greetings like 你好 (nei5 hou2), polite words such as 唔該 (m4 goi1) and 多謝 (do1 ze6), and the basics for yes and no. This unit covers all of them so you can hold a simple exchange right away.
Is this Cantonese course free?
Yes. Every lesson in the First Words unit is free to read here, with romanization and audio on each word and no account needed. In the YumCha app, your first lesson is free to try, the dictionary and vocabulary practice stay free, and a subscription unlocks the full lesson path.
How long does it take to learn basic Cantonese greetings?
Most learners pick up the core greetings and polite phrases in this unit within a few short sessions. Because the words repeat constantly in daily life, they tend to stay with you quickly.