I've lived in Hong Kong for three and a half years and speak about five words of Canto. It's shameful. One thing that I have mastered in Canto though is the art of "Jo San" or good morning, and it is one of my favorite parts about hiking in Hong Kong.
Most mornings, I find myself in the company of elderly trailwalkers and tai chi ladies. I wander down the paths of Hong Kong and am constantly greeted by a singsong, "Jo San!"
I've taken to preemptively engaging my fellow trailmates with a booming "Jo San" regardless of whether they are Canto or not. Given the success of my efforts with Jo San, it is time to take my trail talk to the next level. I think the following phrases would be most appropriate/ helpful:
1) Good afternoon (Jo san only applies until noon time.)
2) How are you?
3) Beautiful morning.
4) Enjoy your hike.
5) Watch out for the rabid monkeys and stray dogs we just fought off...
Must make a serious effort to learn number 5 before heading back to the Sha Tin Hills.
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