Canto Be Like | Cantonese and English Podcast with Venus – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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Hi 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 grandparents

Some useful info:

Fees and Charges at Hospital Authority HK

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Subscribe to hk dispatch here!
Easiest way to get in touch with me is to email: venus@learnwithvenus.com

Alternatively, you can find me on Instagram and YouTube.

Canto Be Like is just one of Venus' creative projects.
Check out the rest on her website.

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Been 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 show

Subscribe to hk dispatch here!
Easiest way to get in touch with me is to email: venus@learnwithvenus.com

Alternatively, you can find me on Instagram and YouTube.

Canto Be Like is just one of Venus' creative projects.
Check out the rest on her website.

Sign up for our mailing list!

Leave comments/ ideas

Fresh 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 show

Subscribe to hk dispatch here!
Easiest way to get in touch with me is to email: venus@learnwithvenus.com

Alternatively, you can find me on Instagram and YouTube.

Canto Be Like is just one of Venus' creative projects.
Check out the rest on her website.

Sign up for our mailing list!

Leave comments/ ideas

Hey 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 

1. Kooza by Cirque du Soleil
2. Hong Kong Book Fair
3. Hong Kong Football Festival
4. Joan Cornellà : Hong Kong Solo Exhibition 2025
5. Anti-loneliness Club
6. WestK Cabaret Nights

Disclaimers: 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 show

Subscribe to hk dispatch here!
Easiest way to get in touch with me is to email: venus@learnwithvenus.com

Alternatively, you can find me on Instagram and YouTube.

Canto Be Like is just one of Venus' creative projects.
Check out the rest on her website.

Sign up for our mailing list!

Leave comments/ ideas

In 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 #HKLife

Support the show

Subscribe to hk dispatch here!
Easiest way to get in touch with me is to email: venus@learnwithvenus.com

Alternatively, you can find me on Instagram and YouTube.

Canto Be Like is just one of Venus' creative projects.
Check out the rest on her website.

Sign up for our mailing list!

Leave comments/ ideas

Hong Kong Housing – The Reality of Tiny Spaces & High Prices

Hong 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 show

Subscribe to hk dispatch here!
Easiest way to get in touch with me is to email: venus@learnwithvenus.com

Alternatively, you can find me on Instagram and YouTube.

Canto Be Like is just one of Venus' creative projects.
Check out the rest on her website.

Sign up for our mailing list!

Leave comments/ ideas

Canto 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 plans

Why Listen?

• No textbook fluff – Just what you’d actually say in conversations
• Avoid common mix-ups (like 十 sap6 "ten" vs. 濕 sap1 "wet")
• Feel more confident next time you’re chatting in Cantonese

Put 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 show

Subscribe to hk dispatch here!
Easiest way to get in touch with me is to email: venus@learnwithvenus.com

Alternatively, you can find me on Instagram and YouTube.

Canto Be Like is just one of Venus' creative projects.
Check out the rest on her website.

Sign up for our mailing list!

Leave comments/ ideas

New 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 #CantoBeLike

Support the show

Subscribe to hk dispatch here!
Easiest way to get in touch with me is to email: venus@learnwithvenus.com

Alternatively, you can find me on Instagram and YouTube.

Canto Be Like is just one of Venus' creative projects.
Check out the rest on her website.

Sign up for our mailing list!

Leave comments/ ideas

廣東話餐廳禮儀指南 | Cantonese Dining Etiquette Unlocked

Transcript

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 Version
Master 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 show

Subscribe to hk dispatch here!
Easiest way to get in touch with me is to email: venus@learnwithvenus.com

Alternatively, you can find me on Instagram and YouTube.

Canto Be Like is just one of Venus' creative projects.
Check out the rest on her website.

Sign up for our mailing list!

Leave comments/ ideas

🎙️Cantonese Crash Course: Hong Kong’s Culinary Scene

Transcript

Welcome 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 show

Subscribe to hk dispatch here!
Easiest way to get in touch with me is to email: venus@learnwithvenus.com

Alternatively, you can find me on Instagram and YouTube.

Canto Be Like is just one of Venus' creative projects.
Check out the rest on her website.

Sign up for our mailing list!