Canto Be Like

Leave comments/ ideasHappy Chinese/ Lunar New Year, guys!!! Long time no see, and I wish you a super nice new year with some Cantonese traditions and culture. Canto Be Like Catalogue: LinkAnimation of the Nian Monster: LinkSupport the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasHey!Happy New Year and I hope you are having a great start to 2026. I thought it would be nice to talk about New Year's resolutions and plan and whatnot so you can learn some cantonese and we have a little life update :)Support the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasHey!As we are now in December, I want to do a quick episode on how we celebrate in Hong Kong. This is also inspired by my Grandma because we had a funny argument over Advent calendar (I will tell the story in the next HK Dispatch episode). I even wrote a story about it haha. I also want to say the free episode updates might be paused for a bit this month because of busy work life and other stuff. I also need to ensure I keep producing HK Dispatch for those who are interested so...yeah, was a difficult decision :/Support the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasHey people,I've been debating to talk about the fire in this week's episode but my feelings to voice out got the better of me. It's surely a hugely traumatic event for Hongkongers, especially the victims, residents and frontline staff. This episode is about providing you with a first-hand perspective and perhaps what you can do to help. Support the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasHellooo, I always find music to be an integral part of culture, so I picked the cantonese songs that I consider culturally significant to introduce to you so that you can have an easier time to understand when they are being referenced. List of singers: Leslie CheungAnita MuiBeyondJacky CheungFaye WongFaye Wong's daughter (竇靖童 Leah Dou)Eason ChanSupport the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasHey people, Last episode on Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung was super well-received so I thought I'd do another episode to introduce some famous HK people to you. This time we look at pop stars Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui and their beautiful sibling-like bond, and the end of a glorious era of HK pop culture. Support the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasHey people, I had an idea to teach you cantonese and culture through life stories of famous people. Since recently CBL is focusing on the Cantonese Cinema, I figured I'd pick two actor/ actress I'm obsessed with-- Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung, leads in my favourite movie In the Mood For Love. Support the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasHey people,In this episode we will pay tribute to the late Benz Hui and talked a bit about the films that I think are a good start to understanding Chinese/ Cantonese culture. In the next HK Dispatch episode we will take a deeper dive into the Cantonese cinema. Subscribe and follow so you don't miss!Things to check out:Benz Hui and his daughter's YouTube videosWong Kar WaiMy cantonese film guideSupport the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasHey fam,I finally got to doing the most requested episode: language learning tips. I speak 4 languages, and every time I start learning a new one I always do something called grammar mapping, namely reviewing the grammatical structure of the target language. Watch this YouTube video for more tipsArticles on language learning: Getting from Zero to A1 in Ten Hours Is PossibleHow to use native content to learn languageSupport the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasHey fam,I hope you are well! Sorry things have been quite a lot lately and I didn't have the time to record for CBL...but I'm back!!! This episode is mostly in canto with some recaps of what has happened in the past month. I promise more fun content incoming :)Support the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasHi guys! My grandma was in hospital this week (don't worry she is fine and at home now) and it really prompted me to do this episode to help other people in similar situations to navigate the care and medical system in HK better. Using my grandma's situation I will walk you through what would happen in case your loved one is sadly hospitalised in HK. Relevant Episodes:I want to talk to my Cantonese grandparentsSome useful info:Fees and Charges at Hospital Authority HKSupport the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasBeen a while since a vocab drill! Today we are going to listen to a dialogue (or more like a series of monologues by me alone) of how two friends would speak at dinner. I will also show you the etiquette and norm of interacting with Cantonese people, such as should you give them a hug when you first met them, how long to schedule the next meeting, what to say if you don't want to talk about that topic (i.e. just copy my generic answer, and most people should get the hint). It's really info-dense. It took me double the usual time to plan and record...so, do listen again to absorb everything!Support the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasSummer is over, and autumn is lurking around the corner so are many literary and cultural events in Hong Kong (maybe artists do like autumnal vibes). Instead of curling up at home to rewatch Gilmore Girls I'm going to suggest some alternatives, and perhaps you can find your next buddies in one of these events!Previous month's recommendations: This month in HK, August 2025Black Sheep FranchiseEuropean Literature Night 17 SeptemberFlow State/ Peel Street PoetryBook PunchHunter BookstoreHong Kong Readerr/Hong Kong Meetup 20th SeptemberHong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film FestivalSupport the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasHappy (or sad) Sep 1!!! Tune in to this episode to get into the vibe of a new school year. I talked about the recent medisafe controversy, which is like a super big thing in HK right now. Come find out if you are in a FOMO ;) On top of that I shared some of my observations of school culture unique to HK. Get in touch with me via my DMs/ emails to let me know what you want to hear next :)Support the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasFeeling tired and stressed for no reason or just bad luck in general? It might not be you but the hungry ghosts playing tricks on you. This buddhist/ taoist festival happens in lunar July (Gregorian calendar August-September) and Cantonese people are taught to lay low during this time. Tune in to learn more about this tradition and what to do for better luck!Support the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasTalking to family is never easy, especially when it's in a language you are not the most comfortable with. However, many of us are doing it for the love of our family. We want to speak to them in a language THEY are comfortable with, despite us struggling. This is the episode for those who feel this way. Nitty gritty phrases and vocab in premium episode HK dispatch. Check out this link on how to subscribe.Support the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasHey fam! Summer in HK is humid hot but can be fun. Last month I visited some hidden gems and would like to share with you all! Tune in to see what's good and I promise you won't be disappointed. If you want to subscribe to premium content hk dispatch, check out the details here. Things mentioned in this episode: ComptoirTGIF cafeKennedy TownLittle CoveArtemis&ApolloHideout Cafe @ Mui WoSalsa Class at Fringe ClubDisclaimers: I am not sponsored or affiliated with these events and organisations. Do attend at your own discretion! But, I hope you have a great time :)Support the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasHi fam, this month in the news Hong Kong is swept by typhoon wipha, record-breaking DSE public exam results and Nanjing Sister Hong scandal. Spend half an hour with me to walk you through what happened in town this month.In the previous HK dispatch, I talked about hustle and work culture in Hong Kong. Check out how to subscribe to the premium content here, and unlock access to this specific episode and more to come!Support the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasHey people, thanks for tuning in to the first episode of season 2 of Canto Be Like. This is the continuation of the phrase episodes of Season 1. Here, I explained some weather-related vocabulary, especially for rains and typhoons during summers in Hong Kong with a mix of Cantonese and English. If you want to be a part of our subscriber-only content hk dispatch, check out the details here: hk dispatch. Support the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasHey fam! In this episode I made an announcement of launching Canto Be Like premium content- hk dispatch. This is a trailer/ sample episode of hk dispatch. For those of you that are interested in hk dispatch, find out more on how to subscribe here. Things/ places/ events mentioned in the show: Spanish ad about friendshipBeansCentral LibraryCauseway Bay/ Tai Hang Cafe- PlumcotIslamic Carpet Exhibition (Palace Museum, not M+)The Old Man @SohoTai Kwun's speakeasy- 001Ping PongMBTISupport the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasFresh off the boat or looking to rent a new flat? Don't worry, I've got you covered. Listen to learn new vocabs and phrases to use when negotiating with your landlord and requesting for a free repair for your leaking toilet. Also, I threw in some extra so you can talk with Hong Kong people about your housing situation!Support the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasHey fam! I'm trying new format out and presenting you things to do in HK this month. Going forward I will update my monthly picks of events, shows and locations to add some spice to your HK city life. Things I covered in this episode Kooza by Cirque du SoleilHong Kong Book FairHong Kong Football FestivalJoan Cornellà : Hong Kong Solo Exhibition 2025Anti-loneliness ClubWestK Cabaret NightsDisclaimers: I am not sponsored or affiliated with these events and organisations. Do attend at your own discretion! But, I hope you have a great time :)Support the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasIn this fully Cantonese episode, we dive into Hong Kong’s housing scene—from subdivided flats (劏房) and public housing to luxury private estates. We compare life in the New Territories (NT), Kowloon, and Hong Kong Island: Is NT cheaper but too remote? Is Kowloon convenient but crowded? Is HK Island upscale but overpriced? Whether you're a local, a newcomer, or just curious, this episode gives you real insights on where and how to live in HK!🎧 Tune in and tell us—which district do YOU live in? #HongKongHousing #CantonesePodcast #HKLifeSupport the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasHong Kong Housing – The Reality of Tiny Spaces & High PricesHong Kong’s housing market is one of the most unaffordable in the world. This episode breaks down the realities of living in a city where space is a luxury. First, we explore the different types of housing—from cramped subdivided flats to high-end luxury towers—and what daily life looks like for residents. You’ll hear about "nano-apartments" smaller than parking spots and the struggles of families living in single-room spaces.Next, we dig into why housing supply remains limited despite high demand. Government land policies, the dominance of major property developers, and historical land-use decisions all play a role. We also discuss how housing shortages fuel broader social tensions in Hong Kong.Want to share your thoughts? DM us your own housing experiences or questions. For bonus content, check out our Patreon for extended discussions on how young people cope with sky-high rents. Listen now on your favourite podcast platform!Support the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasCanto Be Like – Bonus Episode: "Essential Cantonese Numbers Guide"Hey there! To celebrate hitting a podcast milestone (as of the time of publish we've hit 500 downloads!) I made this number guide just for you :)Whether you're just starting out or brushing up on your Cantonese, this bonus episode is your friendly guide to mastering numbers in everyday situations. Let’s make counting, telling time, and handling money feel natural—no stress, just practical learning!What You’ll Learn:🔹 Counting 1-100 – The right tones so you don’t accidentally say "dead" (四 sei3) instead of "four"🔹 Prices & Money – How to say amounts smoothly (so you don’t freeze at the market)🔹 Telling Time – Because it's essential!🔹 Real-Life Examples – Practice with scenarios like ordering food, shopping, and making plansWhy Listen?No textbook fluff – Just what you’d actually say in conversationsAvoid common mix-ups (like 十 sap6 "ten" vs. 濕 sap1 "wet")Feel more confident next time you’re chatting in CantonesePut on your headphones, and let’s get comfortable with Cantonese numbers—one step at a time. Happy learning, and see you in the episode!P.S. Got a number-related question or funny mix-up story? DM us!Support the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasNew Episode Alert! 🎙️ Canto Be Like: Eating Out in Hong Kong – From Arrival to Bill!"Join us for a delicious new episode of Canto Be Like—your go-to Cantonese podcast for learning practical, real-life phrases! This time, we’re diving into Hong Kong’s vibrant dining scene, teaching you everything from entering the restaurant to asking for the bill like a local.🍜 What you’ll learn:✅ Arriving & Seating – How to greet staff and request a table📝 Ordering Food – Must-know phrases for dishes, allergies, and preferences🍽️ During the Meal – Polite expressions and how to ask for extras💰 Finishing Up – Smoothly asking for the bill Perfect for travelers, foodies, or anyone looking to speak Cantonese confidently while eating out! 🎧 Tune in now and level up your Cantonese dining game!#Cantonese #LearnCantonese #HongKongFood #LanguagePodcast #CantoBeLikeSupport the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideas廣東話餐廳禮儀指南 | Cantonese Dining Etiquette UnlockedTranscript想學識港式餐廳嘅潛規則？今集我哋深入講解點用「唔該」橫掃香港飲食界！由搭枱文化、追單技巧，到點樣先唔會被阿姐鬧，20分鐘速成「港式求生禮儀」：訂閱收聽→ 學做個「識食」嘅廣東話達人！English VersionMaster the art of "M4 goi" in Hong Kong diners! This 20-min Cantonese episode cracks the code of local dining etiquette:✔️ 5 secret uses of "M4 goi" (beyond just "thank you")✔️ Decoding cha chaan teng slang✔️ Social faux pas to avoid (unless you want the side-eye)Subscribe now→ Sound like a HK local in your next yum cha!Support the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideas🎙️Cantonese Crash Course: Hong Kong’s Culinary SceneTranscriptWelcome to Canto Be Like. This episode we teach Cantonese through the lens of Hong Kong’s most iconic food scenes! In this season, we’re diving fork-first into the city’s culinary madness—from sizzling dai pai dongs (大牌檔) where wok masters rule, to cha lau (茶樓) dim sum dramas, and the wild fusion of cha chaan tengs (茶餐廳).You’ll learn:✔️ Survival Cantonese (how to order like a local without getting side-eyed)✔️ Secret menu hacks (like "少甜少冰" for no-sugar-no-ice drinks)✔️ Unwritten rules (how to fill in the dim sum order list)✔️ Cultural tidbits (how dim sum was served in the old days)Each episode blends language lessons, humor, and insider stories—perfect for travelers, foodies, or anyone who’s ever cried over a pineapple bun (it has no pineapple!).Subscribe now for other episodes to hone your Canto and learn HK culture!Support the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasTranscript🎙️ "Learn Cantonese: Getting Around Hong Kong"Welcome to Canto Be Like, where we make learning Cantonese fun and practical! In this episode, we’ll guide you through Hong Kong’s transportation system—from the MTR and buses to Octopus cards—so you can navigate the city like a local.🔹 What You’ll Learn:✔️ Twelve Essential Cantonese phrases and 30 vocabs (plus some bonus ones threw in) for taking the MTR, buses and more✔️ How to use an Octopus card (and where to top it up!)✔️ Helpful questions like "How do I get to Central?" or "Does this bus go to Tsim Sha Tsui?"✔️ Bonus cultural tips (e.g., why you shouldn’t eat on the MTR!)Whether you’re a traveller, expat, or just love Cantonese, this episode will give you the confidence to explore Hong Kong with ease. Tune in, practice along, and soon you’ll get around 冇問題 (no problem)!🚇 Hop on board—let’s learn Cantonese while discovering HK!Support the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasFor transcripts節目介紹：香港交通全攻略－地鐵、巴士、電車同八達通貼士一齊嚟探索香港超方便嘅公共交通啦！今集同你講晒港鐵、雙層巴士、叮叮電車同埋天星小輪。教你點用八達通最抵（仲有個搞笑瘀事分享！），等你可以好似本地人咁周圍去。無論你係遊客定住咗好耐，呢個攻略都可以幫你慳錢慳時間，玩轉香港！🚇🚌⛴️🚃 #香港旅遊 #八達通 #香港交通(附粵拼版本)gei3 mok6 gai3 siu6：hoeng1 gong2 gung1 siu4 cyun4 gung2 leuk6－dei6 tit3、baa1 si2、din6 ding1 tung4 baat3 daat6 tung1 tip3 si2jat1 cai4 lai4 taan3 sok3 hoeng1 gong2 ciu1 fong1 bin6 ge3 gung1 gung1 gaau2 tung4 laa1！gam1 zaap6 tung4 nei5 gong2 saai3 gong2 tit3、soeng1 cap6 baa1 si2、ding1 ding1 din6 ding1 tung4 tin1 sing1 siu2 leon4。gaau3 nei5 dim2 jung6 baat3 daat6 tung1 zeoi3 dai2（zung6 jau6 go3 gaau2 siu3 jyu1 si6 fen1 soeng2！），dang2 nei5 ho2 ji5 hou2 ci5 bun2 dei6 jan4 gam2 soeng1 wai4。mou4 lun4 nei5 hai6 jau4 haak3 ding6 zyu6 zo2 hou2 noi6，ni1 go3 gung2 leuk6 dou1 ho2 ji5 bong1 nei5 saang1 cin2 saang1 si4 gaan1，waan4 zyun2 hoeng1 gong2！🚇🚌⛴️🚃 #hoeng1 gong2 leoi5 jau4 #baat3 daat6 tung1 #hoeng1 gong2 gung1 siu4Support the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasExplore Hong Kong’s iconic transport system in this episode! We cover the efficient MTR, bustling buses, nimble minibuses, scenic Star Ferry, and charming trams—plus Octopus Card tips to navigate like a local. I’ll share a personal story about my experiences with these modes of transport and the Octopus Card!Whether you're a visitor or a resident, learn how to master HK’s transit for smooth, budget-friendly travels. Hop on and discover the heartbeat of the city through its transport! 🚇🚌⛴️🚃 #HongKongTravel #OctopusCard #HKTransportTranscirptSupport the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideashttps://cantobelike.buzzsprout.comThis episode covers useful wet market shopping phrases to help you venture into the unknown.Support the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasThis episode explores the vibrant world of grocery shopping in Hong Kong, comparing traditional wet markets with modern supermarkets. It highlights the pros and cons of each—wet markets offer fresher produce and bargaining opportunities, while supermarkets provide convenience and late-night shopping. The guide also shares money-saving tips and the best times to shop. Instagram - DM to let me know what you want to hear, or should I make transcripts? Support the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasIn this episode, we touch on the big supermarket chains, online grocery services, and tips on the wet market for non-locals in Hong Kong. InstagramYouTubeSupport the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasEpisode 1In this episode, I explain the motivation behind starting a Cantonese/English podcast for people. This video is in Cantonese and English. Follow and DM for content ideas! Insta: https://www.instagram.com/learnwithvenusYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learnwithvenusSupport the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube. 

Leave comments/ ideasWelcome to Canto Be LikeA bilingual Cantonese and English podcast for intermediate and advanced Cantonese learners to learn the language and Hong Kong culture. For more language learning content, check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@learnwithvenusSupport the showHow to subscribe to premium content HK Dispatch?Spotify (requires Patreon account)Apple Podcast (in-app subscription)Other platforms (Buzzsprout)You can find me on Instagram and YouTube.