Are you ready to start speaking, writing and understanding Cantonese in minutes? Then, this is the course for you. You unlock 80 high-quality beginner video lessons and we’ll guide you step-by-step.
Learn Cantonese with lessons made by real teachers.
In every lesson, we take you by the hand and guide you through the language.
You will...
Read more
Are you ready to start speaking, writing and understanding Cantonese in minutes? Then, this is the course for you. You unlock 80 high-quality beginner video lessons and we’ll guide you step-by-step.
Learn Cantonese with lessons made by real teachers.
In every lesson, we take you by the hand and guide you through the language.
You will...
Are you ready to start speaking, writing and understanding Cantonese in minutes? Then, this is the course for you. You unlock 80 high-quality beginner video lessons and we’ll guide you step-by-step.
Learn Cantonese with lessons made by real teachers.
In every lesson, we take you by the hand and guide you through the language.
You will...
- Learn How to Read and Write Cantonese
- Sound like a Native Speaker with Pronunciation Lessons
- Learn Basic Cantonese Conversation Skills with the 3-Minute Video Series
- Sharpen Your Listening with Comprehension Lessons
- Get Access to 80 High-Definition Video Lessons
- Unlock Bonus Access to Lesson Transcripts and Vocabulary Lists
This is the ultimate starting point for any beginner.
By the end, you’ll be able to hold basic Cantonese conversations – such as introducing yourself, asking for directions and making small talk with others. You’ll also know how to read and write in Cantonese.
If you’re a beginner and want to learn Cantonese in the fastest, easiest and most fun way, start here. This course is broken up into 5 parts:
- Introduction to Cantonese: Want to learn Cantonese? Don't know where to start? This is it. The Introduction to Cantonese Video series is perfect for those who know zero Cantonese but want to take that first step. In this 5-lesson series, you'll learn all about the Cantonese language, as well as grammar, writing and phrases to get you started.
- Ultimate Cantonese Pronunciation Guide: Ready to sound like a native Cantonese speaker? Join Alisha and Teddy in the Ultimate Cantonese Pronunciation Series. In these 25 video lessons, you'll learn the ins and outs of perfect Cantonese pronunciation. You'll learn the common mistakes learners make, how to avoid them, and the nuances that only native speakers are aware of.
- Learn Cantonese in Three Minutes: In Hong Kong and Guangzhou, manners are important, and in this 25-lesson series, you'll learn some of the basics you need to be polite while speaking Cantonese. Olivia will take you step-by-step through must-know phrases like "Do you speak English?" and "Hello, my name is…". See the phrases broken down on screen while native Cantonese speaker Olivia explains the grammar and composition. Plus, you'll get some special tips on how to be extra authentic when interacting with native Cantonese speakers. The best part? You'll do all this in just 3 quick minutes.
- Cantonese Listening Comprehension for Absolute Beginners: Improve your Cantonese listening skills in every lesson. This Cantonese Listening Comprehension Series tests you on your listening and makes sure you understand every word. Listen to the dialog, watch the video, and answer the questions asked. This video series is perfect for Absolute Beginners.
- Cantonese Listening Comprehension for Beginners: Ready to understand even more Cantonese? This Cantonese Listening Comprehension Series tests you on your listening and makes sure you understand every word. Listen to the dialog, watch the video, and answer the questions asked. This video series is perfect for Beginner Cantonese learners or those looking to reach a Beginner level.
Here's a deal for you
UDEAFNULP2024
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Read and write in cantonese
- Sound like a native speaker with pronunciation lessons
- Participate in basic cantonese conversations and use daily phrases
- Understand and pick up on basic conversations
- Read and write in cantonese
- Sound like a native speaker with pronunciation lessons
- Participate in basic cantonese conversations and use daily phrases
- Understand and pick up on basic conversations
Syllabus
This 5-lesson series is perfect for those who know zero Cantonese but want to take that first step. You'll learn grammar, writing and phrases.
Read more
Syllabus
In this series, you'll learn everything you need to know to get
started learning Cantonese. And we're here to help guide you through your
journey.
From this very first lesson, you'll learn the reasons you should start learning a new
language, why you should learn Cantonese in particular, and how to get
started.
Now, are you ready?!
In this lesson, you'll learn the basics of Cantonese pronunciation. We'll compare English and Cantonese letters. We'll study the tricky letters and some common mistakes for new learners.
Are you ready?!
In this lesson, you'll learn the basics of Cantonese grammar.
We'll study word order and how to create basic sentences.
Are you ready?!
In this lesson you'll learn the basics of Cantonese writing.
We'll focus on the alphabet, spelling and capitalization. We'll learn some
compound words too!
So, are you ready?!
In this lesson, we'll focus on teaching you the most useful Cantonese words and phrases for absolute beginners!
Make sure you're repeating the words out loud after the examples!
Are you ready? Let's get started!
In this series, you'll master Cantonese pronunciation. Proper
pronunciation is essential in Cantonese, and in this series, you'll learn it
in a fast, comprehensive, and easy way.
And in this first lesson, you'll learn about the building blocks of the Cantonese
pronunciation system that will help you in future lessons.
In this lesson, you'll learn the top 5 Cantonese pronunciation mistakes to avoid. These are common mistakes that students of Cantonese tend to make. So pay close attention and make sure that you don't make the same mistakes.
Are you ready? Then let's get started!
In this lesson, you'll learn all the Cantonese vowels and their variant vowel sounds.
They are: aa, e, i, o, u, oe, yu
With these sounds, you can pronounce any vowel that could possibly appear
in Cantonese!
In this lesson, you'll learn 8 Cantonese consonants.
They are: f, h, j, g-/-k, k, gw, kw, l
These consonant sounds are identical to the ones in English, so they should already be familiar to you. But there are some sounds that are further distinguished in Cantonese, so you'll have to isolate them from particular English words.
Are you ready? Then let's get started!
In this lesson, you'll learn another 8 Cantonese consonants.
They are: m, m, n, ng, ng, b-/-p, p, s
Are you ready? Then let's get started!
In this lesson, you'll learn the final 6 Cantonese consonants.
They are: d-/-t, t, z, c, w.
Are you ready? Then let's get started!
In this lesson, we'll focus on final stops in Cantonese. Cantonese is primarily made up of syllables, and each syllable can be broken down into three categories: The initial, Final, and Tone.
In this lesson, you'll learn about the tones in Cantonese. Tone is the use of pitch to distinguish meaning. Just like how mispronouncing a sound or misreading a character can have a huge impact on meaning, using the wrong tone can drastically change the meaning of a word or sentence too.
In this lesson, you'll learn about tone changes in Cantonese. You'll need to be familiar with Cantonese tones before starting this lesson. If you haven't mastered them yet, go back to our previous lesson to learn about the tones in Cantonese.
In the previous lessons, you've learned all the core elements of Cantonese pronunciation. In this lesson, we'll bring everything together and practice making complete sentences in Cantonese!
In this lesson, you’re going to learn how to introduce yourself in Cantonese. There are a few different ways to say it, depending on how many people you are talking to.
In the last lesson, we learned how to introduce ourselves in Cantonese. Today we’re going to learn how to use good manners as we thank others.
Zeon2 bei6 hou2 mei6? Are you ready? Gam2 zau6 hoi1 ci2 laa6! Let’s start!
In the last lesson, we learned how to show gratitude by saying M4 goi1 or Do1 ze6 . In this lesson we’ll learn some of the most common greetings used in Hong Kong.
Zeon2 bei6 hou2 mei6? Are you ready? gam2 zau6 hoi1 ci2 laa6! Let’s start!
In the last lesson, we learned the most common forms of greetings in Cantonese. Do you remember them?
In this lesson we’re going to learn a very useful phrase: “Do you speak English?”
In the last lesson, we learned the phrase M4 ho2 ji3 si1, nei5 sik1 m4 sik1 gong2 jing1 man2? "Excuse me, do you speak English?" We mentioned the word m4 ho2 ji3 si1 which means "excuse me" in Cantonese.
Now, in this lesson we’re going to learn how to use m4 ho2 ji3 si1 and other
words when apologizing in Cantonese.
In the last lesson, we learned some words used when apologizing in Cantonese, including m4 ho2 ji3 si1 and deoi3 m4 zyu6. In this lesson we are going to learn numbers in Cantonese.
Yes, numbers! sou3 zi6! From one to ten. And you are going to learn them in only three minutes, saam1 fan1 zung1!
In the last lesson, we learned the numbers from one to ten. Have
you forgotten? Here I'll tell you again:
jat1, ji2, saam1, sei3, ng5, luk6, cat1, baat3, gau2, sap6!!
And now let’s continue from eleven.
In the last lessons we learned how to count in Cantonese. I hope you spent some time practicing the numbers, because they will come in handy today. We’re going to learn how to go shopping in Hong Kong!
Before we go, you need to know how to say “How much is it?”
Choose true or false.
In the last lesson we learned the phrase ji1 go3 gei2 cin2 aa6? How much is this?
However, when referring to different objects, we need to use corresponding measure words. In this lesson we’ll look at the rules for using Cantonese measure words.
In the last two lessons we learned how to go shopping. Did you practice at home?
In this lesson, we're going to learn other useful tips to talk about your schedule - for example, if a friend asks you "What are you doing this weekend?"
In the last lesson, we learned how to talk about your plans. In this lesson, we are going to deal with the verb to be in Cantonese, hai6. If you remember, we’ve mentioned it in lesson 1, in the sentence “I am...”. And yes, we’ve been using this phrase at the beginning of every lesson. ngo5 hai6 Olivia “I am Olivia”. With this verb, we will also discuss how to talk about
your nationality.
In the last lesson, we learned how to talk about nationality. In this lesson, we are going to learn how to talk about location or position.
In our previous lessons, we learned how to use the verbs hai6 and hai2. In this lesson, we’re going to learn how to turn these two verbs into their negative forms in order to say "I'm not".
In the last three lessons, we learned the main usages of the verb “to be” in Cantonese: hai6 and hai2, and their negative expressions.
In this lesson, we are going to learn the basic usage of the verb jau5, which means “to have”, as well as its negative expression.
In the last lesson, we learned how to use the verb jau5, "to have," and its negative version.
In this and the next lesson, we will learn about Cantonese adjectives and how to use them properly.
In the last lesson, we learned how to use the Cantonese adjectives. In this lesson, we will learn how to combine them with nouns.
Before we start, you must first know the word ge3.
In this lesson, we will learn how to use the Cantonese verb zung1 ji3, which means "to like" or “to be fond of”.
Ready? Let’s go!
In the last lesson, we learned the Cantonese verb “to like”, zung1 ji3. In this lesson, we’ll learn another verb “to go”, and of course we will use this word along with many different destinations.
In the last lesson, we learned how to use the verb heoi3, which means “to go”.
In this lesson, we will learn how to use another common verb lei4, "to come".
Imagine a friend of yours is organizing a party and he asks you: nei5 lei4 m4 lei4? What does it mean?
In the last lesson, we learned how to use the verb lei4.
In this lesson, we will jump into our lessons dedicated to interrogative words in Cantonese. Our first one will be the one that is most commonly used to ask a question, dim2, which means "How."
In the last lesson, we learned how to use the interrogative word “How”, dim2.
In this lesson, we will talk about the next interrogative word “What”.
So imagine you want to ask your friend "What is he doing?" How would you do it?
In the last lesson, we learned how to ask "What" questions in Cantonese.
This time, we are going to ask questions using the interrogative word "Where?"
In lesson 12, we learned how to ask "Where are you?" Do you still remember how to say it?
In the last lesson, we learned how to ask "Where" questions in Cantonese.
This time, we are going to ask questions with the interrogative word "When?"
Let’s go! hoi1 ci2 lo3!
In the last lesson, we learned how to ask "When" questions in Cantonese.
This time, we are going to ask questions with the interrogative word "Who?"
Imagine you want to ask your friend who is the attractive girl behind him. What will you say then?
In the last lesson, we learned how to ask "Who" questions in Cantonese.
This time, we are going to ask questions with the interrogative word "Why?"
Imagine your boss is giving you a call because you are not at work today...
He will certainly ask you dim2 gaai2 nei5 m4 faan1 gung1?
In this lesson, listen to a conversation set in a bookstore. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation set in a restaurant. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a phone call to the doctor's office. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a journal entry being read out loud. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation about a photograph. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation about going to the movies. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation about buying a shirt. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation set in a burger shop. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation about baking a cake. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation about making plans. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation between a student and a teacher. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation about choosing a place to wait. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation about making vacation plans. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation about breakfast. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation about age. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation set in a clothing boutique. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
Choose true or false.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation about who's attending a party. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation about arranging furniture in a room. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation set in a department store. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
Listen to a conversation in a jewelry store. This Language Listening comprehension Series tests you on your listening and makes sure you
understand every word. Plus, you'll learn new words and phrases. Perfect for Beginners!
Listen to a conversation about rearranging an office. This Language Listening Comprehension Series tests you on your listening and makes
sure you understand every word. Plus, you'll learn new words and phrases.
Perfect for Beginners!
Listen to a conversation about grocery shopping. This Language Listening Comprehension Series tests you on your listening and makes sure you
understand every word. Plus, you'll learn new words and phrases. Perfect for Beginners!
Listen to a weather report. This Language Listening Comprehension Series tests you on your listening and makes sure you understand every word. Plus, you'll learn new words and phrases. Perfect for Beginners!
Listen to a conversation about redesigning a business card. This Language Listening Comprehension Series tests you on your listening and makes sure you understand every word. Plus, you'll learn new words and phrases. Perfect for Beginners!
Listen to a conversation about getting directions. This Language Listening Comprehension Series tests you on your listening and makes sure you understand every word. Plus, you'll learn new words and phrases. Perfect for Beginners!
Good to know
Save this course
Save
Reviews summary
Recommended beginner cantonese course
Activities
Read Remembering the Kanji 1
Show steps
Build a strong foundation in Cantonese character recognition and writing
Show steps
-
Read the chapters on Cantonese characters
-
Practice writing the characters
Do Cantonese listening exercises
Show steps
Improve your Cantonese listening comprehension
Browse courses on
Cantonese
Show steps
-
Find Cantonese listening exercises online
-
Listen to the exercises and try to understand what is being said
-
Check your answers and review the vocabulary and grammar
Practice speaking Cantonese
Show steps
Practice speaking Cantonese to improve your pronunciation and fluency
Browse courses on
Cantonese
Show steps
-
Find a language partner to practice with
-
Use a language learning app with speech recognition
-
Record yourself speaking Cantonese and listen back for mistakes
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Use YouTube to supplement language learning
Show steps
Expand your Cantonese vocabulary and grammar knowledge with video tutorials
Browse courses on
Language
Show steps
-
Search for Cantonese learning videos on YouTube
-
Watch videos on grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation
-
Follow along with exercises and practice activities
Attend a Cantonese conversation group
Show steps
Gain exposure to Cantonese speech and practice speaking with others
Show steps
-
Find a Cantonese conversation group in your area
-
Attend the group regularly
-
Participate in conversations and ask questions
Write a short story in Cantonese
Show steps
Enhance and showcase your Cantonese writing skills by composing a short story
Browse courses on
Cantonese
Show steps
-
Brainstorm a topic for your story
-
Write a rough draft of your story
-
Get feedback on your story from a native Cantonese speaker
Contribute to a Cantonese open-source project
Show steps
Immerse yourself in the Cantonese language and community by contributing to open-source projects
Browse courses on
Cantonese
Show steps
-
Find a Cantonese open-source project to contribute to
-
Read the project documentation and codebase
-
Make changes to the codebase and submit a pull request
Read Remembering the Kanji 1
Show steps
Build a strong foundation in Cantonese character recognition and writing
Show steps
- Read the chapters on Cantonese characters
- Practice writing the characters
Do Cantonese listening exercises
Show steps
Improve your Cantonese listening comprehension
Browse courses on
Cantonese
Show steps
- Find Cantonese listening exercises online
- Listen to the exercises and try to understand what is being said
- Check your answers and review the vocabulary and grammar
Practice speaking Cantonese
Show steps
Practice speaking Cantonese to improve your pronunciation and fluency
Browse courses on
Cantonese
Show steps
- Find a language partner to practice with
- Use a language learning app with speech recognition
- Record yourself speaking Cantonese and listen back for mistakes
Use YouTube to supplement language learning
Show steps
Expand your Cantonese vocabulary and grammar knowledge with video tutorials
Browse courses on
Language
Show steps
- Search for Cantonese learning videos on YouTube
- Watch videos on grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation
- Follow along with exercises and practice activities
Attend a Cantonese conversation group
Show steps
Gain exposure to Cantonese speech and practice speaking with others
Show steps
- Find a Cantonese conversation group in your area
- Attend the group regularly
- Participate in conversations and ask questions
Write a short story in Cantonese
Show steps
Enhance and showcase your Cantonese writing skills by composing a short story
Browse courses on
Cantonese
Show steps
- Brainstorm a topic for your story
- Write a rough draft of your story
- Get feedback on your story from a native Cantonese speaker
Contribute to a Cantonese open-source project
Show steps
Immerse yourself in the Cantonese language and community by contributing to open-source projects
Browse courses on
Cantonese
Show steps
- Find a Cantonese open-source project to contribute to
- Read the project documentation and codebase
- Make changes to the codebase and submit a pull request
Career center
Cantonese Interpreter
Cantonese Translator
Chinese Language Teacher
Cantonese Content Writer
Cantonese Linguist
Cantonese Language Researcher
Cantonese Professor
Social Media Manager
Sales Representative
Journalist
Lawyer
Public Relations Specialist
Recruiter
Foreign Service Officer
Marketer
Reading list
Save
Share
Similar courses
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
