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CANTONESE PHRASE · REPAIR

How to say “I do not understand” in Cantonese

Hear the phrase, follow its Jyutping pronunciation, and see when it belongs in a real conversation.

The Cantonese phrase

我唔明ngo5 m4 ming4

I do not understand

Tap play to hear the saved app recording.

Saved generated-voice recording from the Canto School app library.

New to Cantonese? Follow the beginner roadmap

How to pronounce it

我唔明 (ngo5 m4 ming4) is a compact way to say you do not understand. The middle m4 negates ming4 (understand); keep both in the sentence.

  • ngo5I
  • m4 ming4do not understand

Play this line and then “Can you speak more slowly?” so you can state the problem and ask for the help you need.

When to use it

Essential learner phrase. It is better to say this early than pretend.

Try it when: Telling someone you need more explanation.

Rough literal gloss: I not understand.