Learning Cantonese can be a real headache—after all, with nine tones and 20k+ characters, Cantonese is one of the most difficult languages to master! But, with the right tools, you can certainly learn Cantonese a lot quicker and more effectively.
Did you know that in your search for effective Cantonese lessons, YouTube can be an excellent resource?
Just think of all those nights aimlessly scrolling through YouTube videos, watching one after another. Before you know it, it’s three in the morning and…what time was your alarm clock set for?
What if you could combine YouTube and language learning to get the best of both worlds? Faster progress and endless entertainment!
As a learner myself, I strongly believe in the power of exposure for language acquisition, and how immersing yourself in Cantonese can help you more than any grammar lesson ever could. Absorbing a variety of media in Cantonese is the best way to effortlessly become more fluent.
In this article, I’ll present you with the best Cantonese YouTubers and channels for language learners in 2020. I’ve made sure to include channels in a variety of categories, from language learning to cooking and lifestyle vlogs. When coupled with the CantoneseClass101 YouTube channel (which I’ll talk more about later), these channels can give you everything you need to immerse yourself in Cantonese and make quick progress.
Enough talk. Here’s our list of the best Cantonese YouTube channels for learners!
Table of Contents
- CarlosDouh
- 張媽媽廚房Mama Cheung
- hongkongmap
- MTR Hong Kong
- MIHK VLOG
- Leave Your Mark
- Alfred Chan
- 文子MtzCherry
- 果籽
- Learn Cantonese with CantoneseClass101.com
- How CantoneseClass101.com Can Help You Learn More Cantonese
1. CarlosDouh
Category: Language
Level: Beginner – Intermediate
CarlosDouh makes interesting videos about the Cantonese language and Hong Kong culture. He mainly teaches Cantonese slang—in a very engaging way. I couldn’t help but keep cracking up when browsing through his videos. I recommend this channel for beginners and intermediate level learners, as his videos are easy to follow and he normally introduces just one slang word per video.
Check out his video on 公主病 (gung1 zyu2 beng6) to find out what this phrase means!
2. 張媽媽廚房Mama Cheung
Category: Lifestyle (cooking)
Level: Intermediate
On this delightful Cantonese cooking YouTube channel, Mama Cheung teaches you how to cook homestyle Hong Kong dishes, so you can learn how to cook and speak at the same time. Most of her videos have English subtitles, and she posts a new video every Thursday. Definitely stay tuned with the Mama Cheung channel if you’re a foodie like me!
In the meantime, check out how to make Tomato Tofu Soup and get a taste of homestyle Cantonese soup.
3. hongkongmap
Category: Travel
Level: (Upper) Intermediate
This channel offers a virtual guided tour of Hong Kong by a local. Although most of the videos don’t have subtitles, it’s a wonderful way to learn more about the glamourous city from a more local perspective. If you’re interested in exploring the culture, lives of ordinary citizens, and unique places to visit, we highly recommend giving this channel a try.
Check out one of the local tours and see if it suits you!
4. MTR Hong Kong
Category: Transport
Level: Intermediate
This is an informative channel about the Mass Transit Railway (MTR), the most used public transportation system in Hong Kong. With both Chinese and English subtitles, these videos are a good way to learn both the language and a bit more about one of the world’s best transport systems! Most of the videos are short enough to finish in one sitting—a great way to learn Cantonese if you only have a little bit of time.
Watch this video to see what MTR has done in light of COVID-19.
5. MIHK VLOG
Category: Lifestyle / Video Blog
Level: (Upper) Intermediate
This channel features vlogs recorded by local teenagers. It’s a great platform for learning more about the youth culture in Hong Kong (and having a good laugh). Better yet, some of the videos have both Cantonese and English subtitles, something that will be very convenient for language learners.
Watch their Hong Kong-style Pick-Up Line Challenge and see who these Cantonese YouTubers end up with!
6. Leave Your Mark
Category: Documentary
Level: Advanced
If you’re looking to watch something deep and serious, LeaveYourMark is right where you need to be. You can find in-depth interviews with some famous Hong Kongers, where they share their stories and beliefs.
See what the famous songwriter 恭碩良 (gung1 sek6 loeng4) has to share!
7. Alfred Chan
Category: Lifestyle / Reviews
Level: Advanced
Do you need ideas on where to treat yourself in Hong Kong? This channel largely focuses on things like game and gadget reviews, as well as reviews for famous Hong Kong restaurants. Keep in mind that there are no subtitles, so the video could be a bit difficult for new Cantonese learners to understand.
Check out this review on Felix, a restaurant in one of the most prestigious hotels in Hong Kong (the Peninsula Hotel), to see if you enjoy Alfred’s channel!
8. 文子MtzCherry
Category: Lifestyle / Vlog
Level: Beginner / Intermediate
This is a fun combination channel, hosted by a local teen giving out Cantonese tutorials and discussing life in Hong Kong. She also does a few vlog-style videos about her own life. Most of the videos have both Cantonese and English subtitles, which is perfect for language learners! Even if you’re just starting out, you’ll be able to enjoy her content and learn something new.
Watch her Cantonese lesson on hygiene to learn about how to stay clean and healthy in Hong Kong.
9. 果籽
Category: Lifestyle
Level: Advanced
Here’s another channel with a variety of content. This local media channel covers a wide range of lifestyle topics: health, travel, food, personal stories, and more. There are Cantonese subtitles, but because the content is made for locals, they might speak a bit fast. Nonetheless, it’s a marvelous way to keep abreast of what’s going on in Hong Kong.
Check out their video on the five most famous dogs in Hong Kong and learn their stories!
10. Learn Cantonese with CantoneseClass101.com
Category: Language
Level: All levels
If you’re not sure where to start your Cantonese learning journey, or want some help polishing your skills, visit the CantoneseClass101 YouTube channel. We have numerous videos for every skill level on a variety of topics: vocabulary, grammar, culture, and more! You can easily find just what you need by browsing through our categorized playlists.
Want a sample of what to expect? Learn more about the Buddha’s holiday with CantoneseClass101.com!
11. How CantoneseClass101.com Can Help You Learn More Cantonese
Want to step up your Cantonese after watching our YouTube videos?
With CantoneseClass101.com, you can have your daily dose of Cantonese whenever and wherever you want, through mobile apps, desktop software, and our website. We offer entertaining, engaging, and effective lessons on various aspects of the Cantonese language and culture.
Until now, we’ve delivered more than 750,000,000 lessons to thousands of happy students from all around the globe. You can learn Cantonese with over 1060 audio and video lessons delivered by our knowledgeable and energetic hosts, detailed PDF lesson notes, an abundance of vocabulary learning tools, spaced repetition flashcards, and a lively community to discuss the lessons with fellow learners. What are you waiting for? Download our lessons, enjoy our audio and video files, and start learning now!
And keep in mind that if you prefer a one-on-one learning approach and want to further accelerate your Cantonese learning, you can take advantage of our MyTeacher program!
Know that your hard work will pay off, and before you know it, you’ll be speaking Cantonese like a native!
Before you go, we’d love to hear what your favorite Cantonese YouTube channel is! Let us know in the comments.
