In Episode 27 of Bite-size CantoneseI explore “lazy pronunciation” (懶音) in Hong Kong Cantonese, where sounds are naturally simplified in casual speech. I explain why this happens—speed, comfort, lack of formal education, and language evolution and I shared my story about lazy pronunciation.
Learners are encouraged to understand authentic Cantonese, balance accuracy with real-life communication. Jyutping is highly recommended for learner who just start learning Cantonese. For intermediate learner, you may want to challenge yourself by taking tests e.g tests offered by this organisation HKCALA. More information about the test at the link below
I came across a webpage explaining Cantonese lazy pronunciation and found it useful for learners.https://rhapsodyinlingo.com/en/lazy-sounds/ you may be interested to know other native speakers' opinions on this. (He has a Canto podcast which i think it is worth for intermediate learners to listen to, podcast name:絮言．狂想 )
I wish you all a Happy New Year 2026. All the best!
Celia xx
This episode explores how to set a realistic and sustainable Cantonese learning resolution for 2026. I break down different approaches for beginners and intermediate learners, focusing on using the right tools, choosing the right level of materials, and building habits that actually last. We’ll talk about flashcards, Jyutping, immersion, and why progress depends more on input than perfection. I also introduce the topic of “lazy tone,” which we’ll explore in the next episode.
Below is the Flashcards tool:-
https://quizlet.com/latest
Below is the friendly learning materials for beginners:-
https://hambaanglaang.hk/
Many Cantonese learners say the same thing: “I understand, but I’m afraid to speak.”
In this episode of Bite-size Cantonese, Celia shares her personal experience of learning English and the lessons that helped her build speaking confidence — even with an accent. You’ll learn why being brave, reviewing your own mistakes, and imitating native speakers is important on language Cantonese.
Celia also introduces a simple Plan–Do–Check–Act framework you can use to practise Cantonese consistently and see real progress. This episode is delivered in both English and Cantonese, making it ideal for learners who want motivation and listening practice.
Download free episode transcript here.https://bite-size-cantonese.kit.com/ebeaffd64b
IG page: bitesizecantonese
Contact: bitesizecantonese@gmail.com
In this warm and reflective mini-episode, we revisit the simple Cantonese phrases many of us grew up hearing—like “siu2 sam1 di1” (be careful), “zou2 di1 faan1 uk1 kei2” (come home early), and “gei3 dak1 sik6 faan6” (remember to eat). We often felt these were nagging words, but as adults, we finally understand they were expressions of love. I also briefly reflect on the tragic Tai Po fire in November, reminding us how fragile life can be—and how important it is to cherish the people who care for us.
DM me the Cantonese phrase your family always says.
今集《Bite-size Cantonese》想同你一齊回到細個，聽返屋企人最常講、但長大後先明白嘅廣東話——例如「小心啲」、「早啲返屋企」、「記得食飯」。以前覺得煩，但而家知道其實全部都係愛。 節目裡我亦提到十一月發生嘅大埔火災，生命好脆弱，令我更覺得要珍惜身邊每一句關心。 歡迎你 DM 我，話我知你屋企人最常講邊一句廣東話。
Follow Celia more useful Cantonese @BiteSizeCantonese on instagram
Download more transcript from the link
https://bite-size-cantonese.kit.com/ebeaffd64b?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAdGRleAOkFBdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAacoBIuw-WJF6rmbAsTLLEtX1WpPtcdKn9m4Vxr5J72g8fYIZo2Wfj1EY8333g_aem_st88KV9khrc0TvFomaCu0Q
In Part 3 of our 3-part series on Cantonese family dinners, learn five warm and natural Cantonese phrases to help you build real connection with your partner’s family. We cover friendly expressions like 「你好有心呀」(nei5 hou2 jau5 sam1 aa3), 「你煮嘢好叻喎」(nei5 zyu2 je5 hou2 lek1 wo3), and 「多謝你哋招呼」(do1 ze6 nei5 dei6 ziu1 fu1). These simple yet powerful lines help you sound polite, caring, and confident—without feeling awkward.
Follow Celia more useful Cantonese @BiteSizeCantonese on instagram
Google Drive - Transcript
In Part 2 of our 3-part series on Cantonese family dinners, learn how to respond politely to awkward personal questions—without offending anyone. We cover gentle but firm replies to classics like 「幾時結婚呀？」(When are you getting married?), 「有冇拖拍呀？」(Are you dating?), and 「做緊咩工呀？」(What do you work as?). You’ll learn phrases like 「遲啲有消息我哋一定會講」 and 「多謝你關心，我哋都好好㗎」to protect your privacy while staying warm and respectful.
Follow Celia more useful Cantonese @BiteSizeCantonese on instagram/ contact Celia at BiteSizeCantonese@gmail.com
Download free episode transcript here.https://bite-size-cantonese.kit.com/ebeaffd64b
In Part 1 of 3-part series on Cantonese family dinners, learn 5 essential phrases to help you survive meeting your partner’s Cantonese-speaking family. We cover useful expressions like 「好好味呀」(hou2 hou2 mei6 aa3, “It’s delicious”), 「我自己嚟啦」(ngo5 zi6 gei2 lai4 laa1, “I can help myself”), and 「你都食多啲」(nei5 dou1 sik6 do1 di1, “You should eat more too”). Build confidence, make a warm first impression, and enjoy the meal—one bite-size lesson at a time.
Follow Celia more useful Cantonese @BiteSizeCantonese on instagram
Download free episode transcript here.https://bite-size-cantonese.kit.com/ebeaffd64b
In this episode, I share my cultural shock between Hong Kong’s world-class MTR and London’s chill Tube! From perfect timing and Octopus taps to overheated carriages， we’ll explore how public transport reflects each city’s soul. If you’ve ever waited for a delayed train or missed Hong Kong’s efficiency, you’ll relate!
Cantonese ： 今集我會分享喺香港搭地鐵同喺倫敦搭 Tube 嘅文化衝擊！ 由香港地鐵嘅準時、高效率，到英國 Tube 嘅「慢活」， 我哋一齊睇下交通點樣反映城市性格。 如果你都試過等車等到嬲，或者懷念香港嘅效率，呢集你一定會有共鳴！Follow Celia more useful Cantonese @BiteSizeCantonese on instagram
Download free episode transcript here.https://bite-size-cantonese.kit.com/ebeaffd64b
The Melodies Club
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0WohYMFqKF3MGQN3BIoV8U?si=t1eV01OJTTam0r9DBLJGBg
Boo! 👻 In this spooky yet fun episode of Bite-size Cantonese, we dive into the world of 鬼 (gwai2) — from Halloween parties in Hong Kong to traditional Ghost Month rituals. Celia shares personal stories about growing up with ghost taboos and teaches you five useful Cantonese phrases that use the word 鬼 in surprisingly different ways — from 走鬼 (to run away) to 好鬼靚 (super pretty!). You’ll discover how one “ghostly” word captures Hong Kong’s unique mix of superstition, humour, and slang. Perfect for Cantonese learners who love culture, language, and a little bit of spookiness!
Follow Celia more useful Cantonese @BiteSizeCantonese on instagram
Download free episode transcript here.
https://bite-size-cantonese.kit.com/ebeaffd64b
Go to this link to download “15 Useful Greeting Phrases” pdf file for learning
https://bite-size-cantonese.kit.com/ebeaffd64b
In this episode, we’re diving into 15 Useful Cantonese greeting phrases you can use in daily life — from saying “hello” 👋 to expressing thanks with “多謝 (do1 ze6)” and “唔該 (m4 goi1)”, or asking “how are you?” and responding naturally like a local. We’ll even teach you casual expressions like “講呢啲 (gong2 ni1 di1)”, a colloquial way to say “oh, don’t mention it” or “no need to say that!” Whether you’re chatting with family, friends, or Hong Kong locals, these expressions will help you sound warm, polite, and confident. Perfect for beginners and heritage learners reconnecting with their roots. 🎙️ (This is Part 2 of 15 Useful Greeting Phrases.)"
Here is the link of the Cantonese Song 講呢啲 gong2 ni1 di1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkpkYimjr1Y
In this episode, we’re diving into 15 essential Cantonese greeting phrases you can use in daily life — from saying “hello” 👋 to asking “how are you?” and responding naturally like a local. Whether you’re chatting with family, friends, or Hong Kong locals, these expressions will help you sound warm, polite, and confident. We’ll break down pronunciation with Jyutping, explain real-life usage, and share cultural tips along the way. Perfect for beginners and heritage learners reconnecting with their roots. 🎙️ (This is Part 1 of 15 Useful Greeting Phrases)
Access the link to download free PDF
https://bite-size-cantonese.kit.com/ebeaffd64b
This episode is 100% Cantonese! 💬 Celia shares 9 authentic expressions you can use to express sadness in Cantonese. Whether you’re comforting a friend, talking about a breakup, or describing a touching movie scene, these phrases will help your Cantonese sound emotional, natural, and heartfelt. 👉 Don’t just listen—say them out loud and try using them in real-life conversations. The more you speak with feeling, the more natural your Cantonese will become!
呢集全部用廣東話！Celia 會分 享個表達傷心、難過 嘅地道用語。無論你係安慰朋友、講分手、定係睇感人戲，都可以用呢啲詞語令你嘅廣東話更加自然又有感情。 👉 唔好淨係聽，記住要大聲讀出嚟，喺日常生活多啲用，你嘅廣東話就會越嚟越Fluent！
Follow Celia on Instagram 👉 @BiteSizeCantonese / email BiteSizeCantonese@gmail.com for more tips, and DM me anytime if you’ve got feedback. 💛
Ever wondered why mooncakes are round or why kids carry bunny lanterns during Mid-Autumn Festival? 🌕 In this heartfelt episode of Bite-size Cantonese, Celia shares eight essential Cantonese words — from 做節 (zou6 zit3) and 月餅 (jyut6 beng2) to 燈籠 (dang1 lung4) and 玉兔 (juk6 tou3) — along with nostalgic stories of Hong Kong nights filled with light, laughter, and family warmth. Discover the meaning behind beloved traditions, expand your Cantonese vocabulary, and reconnect with Hong Kong culture wherever you are. A comforting, culture-filled episode perfect for celebrating 中秋節 together — one Cantonese word at a time. ✨
Drop me a message if you want to have the transcript!
BiteSizeCantonese@gmail.com/ DM me at instagram@BiteSizeCantonese
This episode is 100% Cantonese! Celia shares 7 authentic expressions you can use to express anger in Cantonese. Whether you’re venting to friends, joking around, or letting your relatives know you’re really frustrated, these phrases will instantly make your Cantonese sound more natural and relatable.
👉 Don’t just listen—say them out loud, practice, and try slipping them into your daily chats. The more you use them, the more natural your Cantonese will feel. You’ve got this!
呢集全部用廣東話！Celia 會教你 7個表達嬲或者唔開心嘅地道用語。無論你係想同朋友呻，定係想同屋企人表達自己嘅情緒，都可以即刻用到，令你嘅廣東話更加貼地！
👉 唔好淨係聽，記住要大聲讀出嚟，喺日常生活多啲用，你嘅廣東話就會越嚟越自然！
Follow Celia on Instagram 👉 @BiteSizeCantonese for more tips, and DM me anytime if you’ve got feedback.
In this episode of Bite-size Cantonese, we explore five super useful Cantonese phrases that make conversations sound natural and authentic. You’ll hear how expressions like “Really?”, “Oh, I see!”, “Obviously!”, “It’s okay”, and “Of course!” flow together in a real-life dialogue between friends. Perfect for learners who want to pick up everyday reactions Hongkongers actually use, this episode helps you add flavour and confidence to your Cantonese. Tune in and try them in your next chat!
✨ This episode is 100% Cantonese! ✨ Celia shares 6 authentic expressions you can use to express happiness. Whether you’re texting friends or impressing your Cantonese-speaking relatives, these natural phrases will instantly make your conversations sound more genuine.
👉 Don’t just listen—say them out loud, practice, and start weaving them into your daily chats. The more you use them, the more confident your Cantonese will feel. You’ve got this!
呢集全部用廣東話！Celia 會教你 6 個表達開心嘅地道用語。無論你係同朋友發訊息，定係想喺親戚面前展示下，你都可以即刻用到，令你嘅對話更加自然、更貼地。
👉 唔好淨係聽，記住要大聲讀出嚟，喺日常生活用多啲，你嘅廣東話就會越嚟越流利！
Follow Celia at instagram@BiteSizeCantonese for more Cantonese tips, direct message Celia if you have any feedback.
In this episode of Bite-size Cantonese, we’re heading into one of Hong Kong’s most comforting food spots — the congee shop 粥鋪 (juk1 pou3).
Discover why congee is so loved in Hong Kong, from the silky 生滾粥 (saang1 gwan2 zuk1) to classics like 雞粥 (gai1 zuk1, chicken congee), 魚片粥 (jyu4 pin3 zuk1, fish congee), 瘦肉粥 (sau3 juk6 zuk1, lean pork congee), 皮蛋瘦肉粥 (pei4 daan6 sau3 juk6 zuk1, century egg with pork congee), and 艇仔粥 (teng5 zai2 zuk1, boat congee).
You’ll also learn 5 useful phrases to order like a local, plus fun cultural stories — including why fried dough sticks are called 油炸鬼 (jau4 zaa3 gwai2, fried ghost).
Follow Celia on instagram @BiteSizeCantonese to learn more Cantonese!
Craving bubble tea in Hong Kong but don't know how to order in Cantonese? In this sweet episode of Bite-Size Cantonese, Celia shares her personal bubble tea journey from Hong Kong to London and teaches you 5 essential Cantonese phrases for ordering like a local. Learn to say 我要一杯奶茶 (ngo5 jiu3 jat1 bui1 naai5 caa4) for "I want one cup of milk tea," customize your sweetness with 少甜 (siu2 tim4) for "less sweet," and don't forget the classic 要珍珠 (jiu3 zan1 zyu1) for "I want pearls." Plus, discover advanced ordering techniques with different tea bases like 茉莉綠茶 (mut6 lei6 luk6 caa4) and popular toppings from 布丁 (bou3 ding1) to 奶蓋 (naai5 goi3). Dive into Hong Kong's vibrant bubble tea culture and master the art of ordering your perfect cup!
Follow Instagram @BiteSizeCantonese for more Cantonese tips. Drop Celia a message BiteSizeCantonese@gmail.com to connect with her. https://www.instagram.com/bitesizecantonese
Traveling in Hong Kong can be exciting but overwhelming, especially during rush hour or in crowded markets. In this episode of Bite-Size Cantonese, we teach 5 essential Cantonese phrases every traveler should know. Learn how to politely squeeze onto the MTR with 唔該借借 (m4 goi1 ze3 ze3), top up your Octopus card with 唔該，增值100蚊 (m4 goi1, zang1 zik6 jat1 baak3 man1), ask where the bathroom is with 洗手間喺邊？ (sai2 sau2 gaan1 hai2 bin1?)
Follow instagram @BiteSizeCantonese for more Cantonese tips. Drop Celia a message @BiteSizeCantonese@gmail.com to connect with her.https://www.instagram.com/bitesizecantonese
Have you ever wished you could talk more with your grandparents in Cantonese, but didn’t know what to say? In this heartfelt episode number 8 of Bite-size Cantonese, I share my own story of growing up with my grandma — how she cared for me when I was little, and how I regret not spending more time with her before she passed away.
We’ll explore 8 simple but powerful Cantonese phrases that can open up warm, flowing conversations with grandparents — from 「食咗飯未呀？」( Have you eaten yet?) to 「得閒我再嚟探你」( When I’m free, I’ll come visit you again) .
A few words can strengthen family bonds. Hope they are useful for you and I really hope you will pick up the phone and call your grandparents today.