Grammar
Cantonese A1
The essential sentence patterns for basic spoken Cantonese and early reading support.
On this level
- Core sentence order
Start with predictable patterns that make beginner Cantonese feel usable.
- Basic communication
Ask questions and talk about time, place, and existence naturally.
- Daily actions
Build simple reusable beginner Cantonese for routines and wants.
Core sentence order
Start with predictable patterns that make beginner Cantonese feel usable.
係 sentences
Use 係 for identity and simple equational statements in a clear beginner-friendly way.
Classifiers with nouns
Cantonese usually places a classifier between a demonstrative or number and the noun.
Basic communication
Ask questions and talk about time, place, and existence naturally.
Question particles and basic yes-no questions
Cantonese often uses sentence-final particles to turn a statement into a question or to shape its tone.
Time before the verb, 喺 for location, and 有 for existence
Cantonese often places time before the main action and uses 喺 and 有 for core location and existence meanings.
Daily actions
Build simple reusable beginner Cantonese for routines and wants.
Habit and simple verb order
Cantonese often keeps a clear subject-verb-object order for everyday routines and simple actions.
要 for want and need
Cantonese often uses 要 to express wanting, intention, or practical need depending on context.