Cantonese Phrasebook for Communicating with Hong Kong Taxi Drivers

Navigating Hong Kong by taxi is convenient, but not all drivers speak English. Here’s a helpful Cantonese phrasebook to assist visitors in communicating with taxi drivers effectively.

Basic Phrases

• Hello – 你好 (néih hóu)

• Thank you – 唔該 (m̀h gōi)

• Excuse me / Sorry – 唔好意思 (m̀h hóu yi sī)

• I want to go to… – 我想去… (ngóh séung heui…)

• Stop here, please – 唔該喺呢度停 (m̀h gōi hái nī douh tìhng)

• How much is the fare? – 幾多錢? (géi dō chín?)

Giving Directions

• Go straight – 直行 (jihk hàhng)

• Turn left – 轉左 (jyun jó)

• Turn right – 轉右 (jyun yauh)

• Stop ahead – 前面停 (chìhn mihn tìhng)

• Take the tunnel – 行隧道 (hàahng seuih douh)

• Take the bridge – 行橋 (hàahng kìuh)

Common Destinations

• Hotel – 酒店 (jáu dim)

• Airport – 機場 (gēi chèuhng)

• Train station – 火車站 (fó chē jaahm)

• Subway station – 地鐵站 (deih tit jaahm)

• Shopping mall – 商場 (sēung chèuhng)

• Tourist attractions – 旅遊景點 (léuih yàuh gíng dím)

Handling Payment

• Do you accept Octopus card? – 你收八達通嗎? (néih sāu baat daaht tūng ma?)

• I only have cash – 我只有現金 (ngóh jí yáuh yihn gām)

• Can you give me a receipt? – 可唔可以俾我收據? (hó m̀h hó yí béi ngóh sāu geui?)

Final Tips

• Have your destination written in Chinese to show the driver.

• Use translation apps if needed.

• Be polite and patient—most drivers will try to help you get to your destination.

With these useful phrases, you’ll have an easier and smoother experience taking taxis in Hong Kong!