The rule: service → 唔該 (m4 goi1); gift or big favour → 多謝 (do1 ze6). 唔該 also means please and excuse me; 多謝 never does.
| 唔該 | 多謝 | |
|---|---|---|
| Jyutping | m4 goi1 | do1 ze6 |
| Literally | "shouldn't have (bothered)" | "many thanks" |
| Thanks for | Service, small favours, duty done | Gifts, big favours, kindness beyond duty |
| Also means | Please; excuse me | Nothing else — pure thanks |
| Situation | Say | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Waiter brings your food | 唔該 | Serving you is their job |
| Someone holds the lift | 唔該 | Small favour, moment's politeness |
| Getting attention ("this one, please") | 唔該 | This is the please use — 多謝 never works here |
| Friend gives you a birthday present | 多謝 | A gift is never anyone's duty |
| Colleague stays late to rescue your deadline | 多謝 | Help beyond their duty earns the deeper thanks |
| Doctor saves a life | 多謝 (usually) | So big it outgrows duty — though 唔該 is possible |
Saying 多謝 for a tiny service sounds overblown but harmless. Saying 唔該 for a present sounds like you take it for granted — mildly rude. When in doubt about a gift, default to 多謝.
More learner answers on the FAQ page; another classic mix-up: 係 vs 喺; head-to-head dictionary picks on best Cantonese dictionary.
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