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How to count in Cantonese

by G. Lee

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To master Cantonese is not an easy task, considering it's close resemblance to Mandarin which is equally hard to master as well. However, counting in Cantonese is easy once you know how to count from one to ten. You can count from eleven onwards until thousands easily with a few exceptions. The numbers are indicated below with how to pronounce them.

Zero = Leng


One = Yat
Two = Yee
Three = Sum
Four = Say
Five = Mmm
Six = Loke
Seven = Chud
Eight = Putt
Nine = Kau
Ten = Sub

Note: Pronounce them the way you would pronounce those terms in English, and you will be alright.

Eleven would just be an addition of ten and one, which is Sub Yat. Fifty six would be Mmm Sub Yat and so on.
However, there are some exceptions to take note of in counting large numbers, which is explained below.
One hundred = Yat Pak
One hundred and one = Yat Pak Leng Yat (literally translated as one hundred zero one)
One thousand = Yat Cheen
Ten thousand = Yat Mun
One million = Yat Pak Mun

Mastering the larger numbers may be a little complicated, but since martial arts only require counting in the lower range of numbers, it would suffice just to learn and master one to ten at the moment. Good luck in counting and drop me a line if you have any queries about Cantonese! =)

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