:: jotting the lines ::

“MM GOI 唔该” and “DOH JEH 多谢” are both “Thank You” in Cantonese dialect. It has however been wrongly used amongst the Chinese community, especially those who are not origins of Canton province. I am quite disturbed when I heard people say “MM GOI 唔该” to me as I foot the bills in the Chinese restaurants. I almost wanted to correct them on the spot, but after thinking twice I better not since I don’t know how well they can take it. Maybe next time when I’m hit with the right mood and approach.

Please allow me to illustrate when is the right time you should say “MM GOI 唔该” and when do you say “DOH JEH 多谢”.

You say “MM GOI 唔该” when someone offer you with services or they do you a favour.

“MM GOI 唔该” is derived from the word 不应该 (Shouldn’t). It means people offer you services voluntarily and that you think they don’t have to. Yet you say “MM GOI 唔该” (Shouldn’t), isn’t that weird? Well, that is just a phrase Cantonese use it to express their gratitudes to those who have helped them.

“DOH JEH 多谢” is many thanks if it is directly translated into English. You say this when you receive a gift from someone or people pay you for your goods and services.

So, are you clear now?

Example:

1. Han Keong borrowed money from Kit Kat, Han Keong said “MM GOI 唔该晒”

2. I pay for my meals, the Tau Keh (boss) says “DOH JEH 多谢晒“ and I say “MM GOI 唔该晒” for their services.

3. I pay the cab driver. Cab driver says “DOH JEH 多谢晒“ and I say “MM GOI 唔该晒” in return.

Test:

Han Keong’s ball pen is not working, Kit Kat lend him his pen. Which Thank You in Cantonese dialect should Han Keong say in return ? “MM GOI 唔该晒” or “DOH JEH 多谢晒“?

Hmmm…hope you get this right. It is “MM GOI 唔该晒”.

Well, I know some of you may think “What’s all this hassles to differentiate?”. Just say “Thank You in English”. Yes you may, please. Especially if you can’t master which means what, then better don’t say it. Just say Thank You! Or you may say it in Mandarin, 谢谢 (Xie Xie - Thank You) or 不用客气 (Bu Yong Ke Qi - You’re welcome)。