Section 3: Politeness & Consent

Phrase: 唔該 — m̀h gōi

Use to say “please” or “thank you” in everyday service or help situations.

Phrase: 對唔住 — deui m̀h jyuh

Use to apologise politely when you’ve made a mistake or caused inconvenience.

Phrase: 有咩可以幫到你? — yáuh mē hó yíh bōng dou néih?

Use to politely offer help and invite the person to say what they need.

Phrase: 介唔介意我…? — gaai m̀h gaai yi ngóh …?

Use to ask for consent before you do something (e.g., move, touch, or adjust something).

Phrase: 我應該點稱呼你 — ngóh yīng gōi dím chīng fū néih

Use to ask what name or title the person prefers to be called by.

Phrase: 聽唔聽到? — tēng m̀h tēng dóu

Use to check whether the person can hear you clearly (e.g., soft voice, background noise).

Phrase: 明唔明? — mìhng m̀h mìhng

Use to check if the person understands your explanation or instructions.

Phrase: 可以再講多一次嗎? — hó yíh joi góng dō yāt chi ma?

Use when you need the person to repeat what they just said.

Phrase: 你同唔同意咁樣安排呀? — néih tùhng m̀h tùhng yi gám yéung ōn pàaih a?

Use to check if the person agrees with a proposed plan or care arrangement.

Phrase: 需唔需要聯絡你家人? — sēui m̀h sēui yiu lyùhn lok néih gā yàhn?

Use to ask if you should inform or contact the patient’s family members.