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:Social Media & Online Writing
Writing for social media, blogs, and online platforms.
Common Users:Social Media Managers, Influencers, Content Creators.
Mistake Example #1

Social Media & Online Writing / Blog Post

Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives

I recently visited avery beautiful park in Hong Kong, and it was veryamazing to see how verygreen andvery peaceful it was. The weather was very nice, and I felt veryrelaxed just walking around and enjoying the veryfresh air. If you ever visit Hong Kong, I vestrongly recommend spending some time there to experience the veryunique atmosphere.

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

"I reduced repetition of "very." Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

I recently visited a beautiful park in Hong Kong, and it was amazing to see how green and peaceful it was. The weather was very nice, and I felt relaxed just walking around and enjoying the fresh air. If you ever visit Hong Kong, I strongly recommend spending some time there to experience the unique atmosphere.

I recently visited a very beautiful park in Hong Kong, and it was very amazing to see how very green and very peaceful it was. The weather was very nice, and I felt very relaxed just walking around and enjoying the very fresh air. If you ever visit Hong Kong, I very recommend spending some time there to experience the very unique atmosphere.

Mistake Example #2

Social Media & Online Writing / Instagram Caption

Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese

FI'm feeling so happy today! JI just finished eating lunch with my family, and the food itasted very goodtaste. HI hope everyone haves a nice day, like me! 😊 #FamilyTime #GoodTaste

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"Changes I made were mostly to improve fluidity and readability. "

I'm feeling so happy today! I just finished eating lunch with my family, and the food tasted very good. I hope everyone has a nice day, like me! 😊 #FamilyTime #GoodTaste

Feeling so happy today! Just finished eat lunch with my family, and the food is very good taste. Hope everyone have a nice day like me! 😊 #FamilyTime #GoodTaste

Mistake Example #3

Social Media & Online Writing / LinkedIn Article

Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives

In today's fast-paced world, it is veryimportant to stay very updated with the latest trends in technology. As a professional in Hong Kong, I find it verybeneficial to attendvery informative seminars and workshops. These events are veryhelpful in expanding my network and gaining very valuable insights into the industry.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Good work! I just took out all the "verys" because they were not needed."

In today's fast-paced world, it is important to stay updated with the latest trends in technology. As a professional in Hong Kong, I find it beneficial to attend informative seminars and workshops. These events are helpful in expanding my network and gaining valuable insights into the industry.

In today's fast-paced world, it is very important to stay very updated with the latest trends in technology. As a professional in Hong Kong, I find it very beneficial to attend very informative seminars and workshops. These events are very helpful in expanding my network and gaining very valuable insights into the industry.

Mistake Example #4

Social Media & Online Writing / Reddit Post

Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese

I just finished watching the new movie, and I feel it is vprertty goodto watch. The story is about a man who goes to find his lost dog, and the journey is full of touching moments. If you have time, you should go tosee it, because it will warmake your heartwarm.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Very nice! I just made some small changes so the English will read more naturally."

I just finished watching the new movie, and I feel it is pretty good. The story is about a man who goes to find his lost dog, and the journey is full of touching moments. If you have time, you should see it, because it will warm your heart.

I just finished watching the new movie, and I feel it is very good to watch. The story is about a man who go to find his lost dog, and the journey is full of touching moments. If you have time, you should go to see it, because it will make your heart warm.

Mistake Example #5

Social Media & Online Writing / Social Media Post

Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese

Just finished eating lunch with my friends,. I'm so full—we ate until wecaouldnno't move! The weather today is very hot, like a blazingfire! burning.Later, Iwi'll go shopping with my sister,and buy things until we drop!

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to sound more native and natural."

Just finished eating lunch with my friends. I'm so full—we ate until we couldn't move! The weather today is very hot, like a blazing fire! Later, I'll go shopping with my sister and buy things until we drop!

Just finished eat lunch with my friends, so full until cannot move! The weather today is very hot, like fire burning. Later, I will go shopping with my sister, buy things until we drop!

Mistake Example #6

Social Media & Online Writing / TikTok Script

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

Hey, everyone! Today I want to share my experienceabout visiting the new cafe in Central. It was so nice and cozy, and they have muchany delicious cakes. I went there with my friends, and we had so much fun. The staff is very friendly, and they giave us manylot of good advices on what to try. If you are in Hong Kong, you should definitely check it out!

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

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

Hey, everyone! Today I want to share my experience visiting the new cafe in Central. It was so nice and cozy, and they have many delicious cakes. I went there with my friends, and we had so much fun. The staff is very friendly, and they gave us a lot of good advice on what to try. If you are in Hong Kong, you should definitely check it out!

Hey everyone! Today I want to share my experience about visiting the new cafe in Central. It was so nice and cozy, and they have much delicious cakes. I went there with my friends, and we had so much fun. The staff is very friendly, and they give us many good advices on what to try. If you are in Hong Kong, you should definitely check it out!

Mistake Example #7

Social Media & Online Writing / Tweet

Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives

I am veryso excited for the weekend! The weather is very nice and I am veryhappy to spend time with myfriends. Hong Kong isvery beautiful this time of year, and I feel vquitery lucky to live here.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I changed some of the "verys" to other words. Well done!"

I am so excited for the weekend! The weather is very nice and I am happy to spend time with my friends. Hong Kong is beautiful this time of year, and I feel quite lucky to live here.

I am very excited for the weekend! The weather is very nice and I am very happy to spend time with friends. Hong Kong is very beautiful this time of year, and I feel very lucky to live here.

Mistake Example #8

Social Media & Online Writing / YouTube Script

Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives

Hello everyone! Welcome back to my channel. Today, I am veryexcited to share with youavery special recipe that is veryeasy to make and veryso delicious. This dish is very popular in Hong Kong and is a vgrery goodat choice for a quick dinner. So, let's get started and make this veryamazing meal together!

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I took out or changed some of the uses of "very" to improve the flow of the text."

Hello everyone! Welcome back to my channel. Today, I am excited to share a special recipe that is easy to make and so delicious. This dish is very popular in Hong Kong and is a great choice for a quick dinner. So, let's get started and make this amazing meal together!

Hello everyone! Welcome back to my channel. Today, I am very excited to share with you a very special recipe that is very easy to make and very delicious. This dish is very popular in Hong Kong and is a very good choice for a quick dinner. So, let's get started and make this very amazing meal together!