Cantonese, a major dialect of Chinese spoken in Hong Kong and many parts of Southeast Asia, presents a unique approach to handling yes-no questions. While many are initially taught that the words 係 [hai6] and 唔係 [m4-hai6] translate directly to "yes" and "no" in English, the reality is a tad more complex. Rather than a straightforward affirmation or denial, the responses to yes-no questions in Cantonese rely heavily on the "main verb" used in the question posed. This dynamic approach to answering offers a peek into the intricacies of the language and its unique grammatical structures.
Yes-No Questions in Cantonese: More Than Just a Simple Affirmation or Denial
Updated: Jun 18