Talk About Time in Cantonese
Cantonese time words differ noticeably from Mandarin: tomorrow is 聽日 (ting1 jat6) rather than 明天, and now is 而家 (ji4 gaa1). These five everyday words let you make plans, set meetings, and talk about your day.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you say today, tomorrow and yesterday in Cantonese?
今日 (gam1 jat6) today, 聽日 (ting1 jat6) tomorrow, 尋日 (cam4 jat6) yesterday — note these differ from Mandarin.
How do you say now in Cantonese?
而家 (ji4 gaa1). For later, say 遲啲 (ci4 di1).
Why is Cantonese tomorrow different from Mandarin?
Cantonese says 聽日 (ting1 jat6) rather than Mandarin's 明天 — one of many everyday words unique to spoken Cantonese.
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