CANTONESE PHRASE · REPAIR
How to say “what does this mean?” in Cantonese
Hear the phrase, follow its Jyutping pronunciation, and see when it belongs in a real conversation.
The Cantonese phrase
呢個係咩意思？ni1 go3 hai6 me1 ji3 si1
what does this mean?
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Saved generated-voice recording from the Canto School app library.
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How to pronounce it
Point to the word or item as you say ni1 go3 (this). The rest, hai6 me1 ji3 si1, asks what it means.
- ni1 go3this
- hai6is
- me1 ji3 si1what meaning?
Replay the recorded question while looking at a specific word; repeat the full question rather than only the final me1 ji3 si1.
When to use it
Point to a word, message, or item and use this to ask what it means.
Try it when: Pointing to a word, message, or object and asking its meaning.
Rough literal gloss: this is what meaning.