Common English Mistakes in Tweets by Cantonese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

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

Just finished watching the new movie, and it was so exciting! I haved so much fun with my friends, and we all agree it's the best film this year. Can't wait to see it again with more friends next weekend!

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Excellent job! "

Just finished watching the new movie, and it was so exciting! I had so much fun with my friends, and we all agree it's the best film this year. Can't wait to see it again with more friends next weekend!

Just finished watching the new movie, and it was so exciting! I have so much fun with my friends, and we all agree it's the best film this year. Can't wait to see it again with more friends next weekend!

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese

Just finished eating lunch, so I'mfull! likThe a dragon. Wweather today is very hot,—it's makeing me sweat likea waterfall. Hope everyone can stay cool and make sure todrink more water, add oil!

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

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

Just finished eating lunch, so I'm full! The weather today is very hot—it's making me sweat like a waterfall. Hope everyone can stay cool and make sure to drink more water!

Just finished eat lunch, so full like a dragon. Weather today is very hot, make me sweat like waterfall. Hope everyone can stay cool and drink more water, add oil!