Common English Mistakes by Cantonese Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Cantonese speakers from Hong Kong when writing in English.

Category:Healthcare & Medical Writing
Writing for the healthcare and medical industry.
Common Users:Doctors, Medical Writers, Researchers.
Mistake Example #1

Healthcare & Medical Writing / Clinical Study

Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives

The clinical study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a new medication for treating verysevere headaches. The participants reported that the medication wasvery helpful in reducing the intensity of their symptoms. Overall, the study concluded that the new treatment is a verypromising option for patients suffering from veryfrequent andvery intense headaches.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"The word "very" was not necessary, so I took it out. Otherwise, this text is perfect. :)"

The clinical study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a new medication for treating severe headaches. The participants reported that the medication was helpful in reducing the intensity of their symptoms. Overall, the study concluded that the new treatment is a promising option for patients suffering from frequent and intense headaches.

The clinical study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a new medication for treating very severe headaches. The participants reported that the medication was very helpful in reducing the intensity of their symptoms. Overall, the study concluded that the new treatment is a very promising option for patients suffering from very frequent and very intense headaches.

Mistake Example #2

Healthcare & Medical Writing / Health Article

Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese

In Hong Kong, many people like to drink herbal tea when they feel bhody heat. This is because they believe it can help to reduce firheat in the body. When you havea sore throat, it is good to drink more water and eat less fried food. Some people also like to visit a traditionalChinese medicine dospecialisttor for balance the body.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"This text was very well-written – I just made a few minor changes to make it sound a bit more natural :)"

In Hong Kong, many people like to drink herbal tea when they feel hot. This is because they believe it can help to reduce heat in the body. When you have a sore throat, it is good to drink more water and eat less fried food. Some people also like to visit a traditional Chinese medicine specialist to balance the body.

In Hong Kong, many people like to drink herbal tea when they feel body heat. This is because they believe it can help to reduce fire in the body. When you have sore throat, it is good to drink more water and eat less fried food. Some people also like to visit Chinese medicine doctor for balance the body.

Mistake Example #3

Healthcare & Medical Writing / Medical Report

Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese

Patient Mr. Chan todcay come tothe hospital for acheck-up btoday. He sayid hewas feeling anot uncomfortable, needle-like pain inhis stomachand have pain like needle. After being seen by thedoctorsee him, itwas recommended suggesthat he drink more water and eat less spicy food. We will follow up with him next week to see if he is feelinget better.

Text corrected by:
Michele A., Boston, Massachusetts; United States

"I just replaced a word or two to make the English sound more natural. Overall, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

Patient Mr. Chan came to the hospital for a check-up today. He said he was feeling an uncomfortable, needle-like pain in his stomach. After being seen by the doctor, it was recommended that he drink more water and eat less spicy food. We will follow up with him next week to see if he is feeling better.

Patient Mr. Chan today come to hospital for check body. He say he feel not comfortable in stomach and have pain like needle. After doctor see him, we suggest he drink more water and eat less spicy food. We will follow up with him next week to see if he get better.

Mistake Example #4

Healthcare & Medical Writing / Patient Information Leaflet

Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese

Please read this leaflet carefully before you take anymedicine. This medicine is for relieveheadache and feverrelief, but you should not take too much or it will have side effects. If you have any questions, you can aska doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Overall your writing was very good; it just needed a few tweaks to make things consistent. Great job!"

Please read this leaflet carefully before you take any medicine. This medicine is for headache and fever relief, but you should not take too much or it will have side effects. If you have any questions, you can ask a doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Please read this leaflet carefully before you take medicine. This medicine is for relieve headache and fever, but you should not take too much or it will have side effect. If you have any question, you can ask doctor or pharmacist for more detail.

Mistake Example #5

Healthcare & Medical Writing / Prescription Guide

Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives

Take one tablet of this medicine veryearly in the morning with avery full glass of water. It is very important to avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after taking the tablet to prevent very serious side effects. If you experience any veryunusual symptoms, please contact your doctor veright awaysoon.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to avoid overuse of the word "very.""

Take one tablet of this medicine early in the morning with a full glass of water. It is very important to avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after taking the tablet to prevent very serious side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms, please contact your doctor right away.

Take one tablet of this medicine very early in the morning with a very full glass of water. It is very important to avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after taking the tablet to prevent very serious side effects. If you experience any very unusual symptoms, please contact your doctor very soon.

Mistake Example #6

Healthcare & Medical Writing / Research Study

Confusion with countable vs. uncountable nouns ('She has much friends')

InA recent research study conducted in Hong Kong, it was found that there is significant increase in cases ofdiabetes cases among young adults. ThAftestudyr collecting a larged amouchnt of data from various hospitals and clinics, reseand it warchers cobservncluded that lifestyle changes contribute to this trend. ResearcThersy emphasize the need for more awareness and education on healthy eating habits to prevent afurther rise in such cases.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking for countable vs. uncountable nouns, among other fixes."

A recent research study conducted in Hong Kong found a significant increase in diabetes cases among young adults. After collecting a large amount of data from various hospitals and clinics, researchers concluded that lifestyle changes contribute to this trend. They emphasize the need for more awareness and education on healthy eating habits to prevent a further rise in such cases.

In recent research study conducted in Hong Kong, it was found that there is significant increase in cases of diabetes among young adults. The study collected much data from various hospitals and clinics, and it was observed that lifestyle changes contribute to this trend. Researchers emphasize the need for more awareness and education on healthy eating habits to prevent further rise in such cases.