Cantonese Basics

Whether you grew up speaking Cantonese or you’re learning alongside your little ones, this section is here to support you on your journey to raising bilingual children.

Cantonese is a beautiful, expressive language — but it comes with a few features that can trip people up, even for heritage speakers who learned it naturally at home. Two of the most common sticking points are measure words and the Jyutping romanisation system. We’ve put together simple, practical guides to help you feel more confident with both.

[Measure Words] — In Cantonese, every noun has a specific counting word that goes with it. If you’ve ever been unsure which one to use, you’re not alone! Our guide breaks it down in a friendly, easy-to-follow way. If you’d like something hands-on to practise with, we also have [measure words flashcards] to help make them stick

[Jyutping] — Jyutping is a romanisation system that helps you read and pronounce Cantonese sounds accurately. It’s especially handy if you want to teach your children songs, rhymes, or new vocabulary with confidence.

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Ready to take the next step? Our books are designed especially for families raising children with Cantonese at home — whether you’re a confident speaker or finding your feet alongside your kids. [Browse the books →]