Daily 5-minute Cantonese LESSON

TEXT

A: 我未做完功課。
ngo5 mei6 zou6 jyun4 gung1 fo3.

B: 休息陣先啦。
jau1 sik1 zan6 sin1 laa1.

A: 好,我飲杯水先,之後再做。
hou2, ngo5 jam2 bui1 seoi2 sin1, zi1 hau6 zoi3 zou6.

TRANSLATION

A: I haven’t finished my homework yet.

B: Rest for a bit first.

A: Okay, I’ll drink a glass of water first, then continue later.

BREAKDOWN

A: 我未做完功課。
我 (ngo5): I; 未 (mei6): not yet; 做完 (zou6 jyun4): finish; 功課 (gung1 fo3): homework.

B: 休息陣先啦。
休息 (jau1 sik1): rest; 陣 (zan6): a while; 先 (sin1): first; 啦 (laa1): soft suggestion.

A: 好,我飲杯水先,之後再做。
好 (hou2): okay; 飲 (jam2): drink; 杯 (bui1): cup; 水 (seoi2): water; 先 (sin1): first; 之後 (zi1 hau6): later; 再做 (zoi3 zou6): continue.

NOTES

■ 啦 (laa1) is a sentence particle and usually suggests a friendly, high-energy, urgent, or an enthusiastic feeling.

Congratulations on finishing your daily Cantonese reading practice. Keep it up! Below are links to additional Cantonese study resources and platforms.

Here are some Cantonese learning resources and platforms that I am aware of / have experience with, and their affiliates links. If you are interested, feel free to click the links below and sign up. Some links offer discounts. When you purchase through these links I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

CantoneseClass101 – one of the most comprehensive Cantonese learning platforms online. Offer structured “pathways” consisting of various audio and video lessons for absolute beginners to more advanced learners, accessible on desktop or through their app. There are also handy extras like flashcards, word lists, and slideshows. Assessments and 1-on-1 access to a teacher available on paid plans. 🔗visit CantoneseClass101

iTalki – one of the largest platforms worldwide connecting students and native-speaking teachers. Offer flexible, 1-on-1, pay-as-you-go online lessons via video chat. Trial lessons available. 🔗visit iTalki

AmazingTalker – strong presence in Asia. Flexible, 1-on-1, pay-as-you-go online lessons via video chat. Trial lessons available. Primarily relies on external tools like Zoom for lessons. 🔗visit AmazingTalker