cin4前min6面
ahead
gong2港tit3鐵zaam6站hai2喺cin4前min6面
The MTR station is ahead
Learn
Getting Directions
Ask the way and follow simple directions
This lesson turns directions into a real back and forth. You will ask the way, then understand the reply: that somewhere is 近 (kan5), that it is just 前面 (cin4 min6), and that you should 直行 (zik6 haang4) for a few 分鐘 (fan1 zung1). Knowing how to 行 (haang4) the rest of the way is what makes asking worthwhile.
What you'll learn
- Say something is “ahead” with 前面 (cin4 min6)
- Understand that a place is “near” with 近 (kan5)
- Talk about how long it takes using 分鐘 (fan1 zung1)
- Use the verb “to walk”, 行 (haang4)
- Follow the instruction to “go straight”, 直行 (zik6 haang4)
You're new to the area. Ask where the MTR station is and follow the directions you get.
gan6近
near
gong2港tit3鐵zaam6站hou2好gan6近
The MTR station is very near
fan1分zung1鐘
minute
m4唔sai2使sap6十fan1分zung1鐘zau6就dou3到
It takes less than ten minutes to get there
haang4行
to walk
haang4行ng5五fan1分zung1鐘zau6就dou3到gong2港tit3鐵zaam6站
Walk five minutes and you reach the MTR station
zik6直hang4行
to go straight
zik6直hang4行zyun3轉zo2左zau6就dou3到gong2港tit3鐵zaam6站
Go straight, turn left and you reach the MTR station
Frequently asked questions
How do you ask for directions in Cantonese?
Ask where a place is, then listen for landmarks like 前面 (cin4 min6), “ahead”. This lesson focuses on understanding the reply, not just the question.
How do you say “go straight” in Cantonese?
Say 直行 (zik6 haang4). It pairs naturally with 行 (haang4), “to walk”, when someone tells you which way to head.
How do you ask how far away something is in Cantonese?
Ask how many 分鐘 (fan1 zung1), “minutes”, it takes. You will often hear in reply that a spot is 近 (kan5), or “near”.