Romantic Cantonese Phrases

Want to say I love you in Cantonese? 我愛你 (ngo5 oi3 nei5) is the direct way, but locals more often say 我鍾意你 (I like you) or 掛住你 (I miss you). Hear how each phrase sounds and learn which one fits the moment.

like, be fond of; equivalent to Standard Chinese synonym:[國] 喜歡 | The Cantonese /zung1 ji3/ is also written as 中意, although that form has specific Mandarin senses more confined to love-related feelings. It is commonly miswritten as 鐘意.

gwaa˗₃掛zyuˍ₆住

keep thinking about; be anxious about; worry | [國] 掛念 , 惦念

laamˊ²攬

embrace; hug; hold in one's arms

sek˗₃錫

cherish; kiss (as variant of 惜)

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Frequently asked questions

How do you say I love you in Cantonese?

The direct way is 我愛你 (ngo5 oi3 nei5). In daily life, locals more often say 我鍾意你 (ngo5 zung1 ji3 nei5), I like you.

What is the difference between 愛 and 鍾意?

愛 (oi3) is love and feels strong or formal; 鍾意 (zung1 ji3) means to like or love and is what couples say most often.

How do you say I miss you in Cantonese?

我掛住你 (ngo5 gwaa3 zyu6 nei5). 掛住 (gwaa3 zyu6) means to miss someone.

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