Say What??

Today I graduated from Beginner 1 Cantonese!

After two weeks of daily classes I can finally say That dog is small and expensive! No really, I do know how to say that. Although I can't tell you why I would ever need to say that!

I can also say Please, come in! Have some tea! Of course, that too, I will use all the time when I invite strangers in for tea.

Also in my repertoire: My name is Gillian. I am American. I am a student. I would like a cup of ice coffee, please. Excuse me. I am sorry. That is too expensive! Is that a Japanese car? Does your boss wear nice clothes? Do you like German food? Is your book thick or thin? Yesterday I ate 6 apples. The rickshaw is slow. There are no rickshaws in Hong Kong but there is a tram. Thank you!


Of course, Cantonese is quite hard! (Oh, I can say that, too). It takes me a while to understand what the teacher is asking me and even longer to spit out a sentence. And, even then, it's a great moment if I get it right!  But, after only 2 weeks, I can pick up words that I hear on the street and use greetings when talking to my neighbors. Those small things go a long way.

And, of course, if we're ever in the market to buy a big, lazy cow, I'll know how to ask for that too!