Be Polite in Cantonese

Cantonese has two words for thank you: 唔該 (m4 goi1) for services and favours, and 多謝 (do1 ze6) for gifts. Mixing them up marks you as a beginner — this list explains the difference, plus how to apologise and respond politely.

mˎ₄唔goiˉ¹該

thank you (generally used for favours or services; use 多謝 instead for tangible objects) [華]: 謝謝

doˉ¹多zeˍ₆謝

many thanks, typically used when thanking someone for a gift.

deoi˗₃對mˎ₄唔zyuˍ₆住

sorry; excuse me; pardon me

mˎ₄唔houˊ²好ji˗₃意si1/3思

excuse me; sorry; I didn't mean to | 書: 不好意思

mˎ₄唔saiˊ²使haak˗₃客hei˗₃氣

no need to be so polite; don't mention it (Mandarin: 不客氣)

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