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Introductions

Introducing family members

2words
15XP
5–9min
Practice this lesson

Introductions tie the whole unit together, and this short lesson gives you the phrase to make them. You will learn how to say “this one” and then “this is,” the natural opener for presenting someone. Paired with the relative words from earlier, you can introduce a parent, sibling, or grandparent on the spot.

What you'll learn

  • Point out something with 呢個 (ni1 go3), meaning “this one”
  • Introduce a person with 呢個係 (ni1 go3 hai6), meaning “this is”
  • Combine these with family words to present a relative

Let's learn how to introduce your family members! We'll use “呢個係” which means “This is...”.

ni1呢go3個

this (one)

ni1呢go3個hou2好hou2好sik6食

This one is very delicious

ni1呢go3個hai6係

this is

ni1呢go3個hai6係ngo5我ge3嘅maa1媽maa1媽

This is my mother

keoi5佢hai6係ngo5我ge3嘅gaa1家ze1姐

She is my older sister

ngo5我dei6哋jat1一cai4齊sik6食faan6飯

We eat together

keoi5佢dei6哋hai6係ngo5我ge3嘅uk1屋kei2企jan4人

They are my family

Frequently asked questions

How do you introduce someone in Cantonese?

Start with 呢個係 (ni1 go3 hai6), meaning “this is,” then add the person, such as a relative from earlier lessons. It works whether you are introducing family or a friend.

What does 呢個 mean in Cantonese?

呢個 (ni1 go3) means “this one” and is used to point something or someone out. Adding 係 turns it into 呢個係 (ni1 go3 hai6), or “this is.”

Can I learn Cantonese introductions for free?

Yes, this introductions lesson is free to read online, with audio so you can copy the phrasing exactly. In the YumCha app, your first lesson is free to try and vocabulary practice stays free, while a subscription unlocks the full lesson path.