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Hi Veronica,

Thank you so much for your explanation. 👍😉

It is correct to say we use 快樂 (faai3 lok6) when wishing someone a happy time, like 生日快樂 (saang1 jat6 faai3 lok6) ~ Happy Birthday. But it could be also used to describe long-term happiness as explained below.

開心 (hoi1 sam1) is one of the possible answers to the question of "How are you?", but I would rather say it is used to express your pleasure, so not only restricted to answer this question. 😉

Ada

Team CantoneseClass101.com

Hello Emma,

Thanks for your interesting question.

快樂 (faai3 lok6) and 開心 (hoi1 sam1) mean basically the same as an adjective but with different emphasis. 快樂 (faai3 lok6) is more formal and describes a comparatively long-term pleasure, more precisely, happiness. It is not common to say in conversation. While 開心 (hoi1 sam1) is generally used in daily life and describes the temporary feeling of happiness. 😉

Let us know if you have more questions. 😉

Ada

Team CantoneseClass101.com

@Emma

hoi1 sam1 is what you would say when someone asked you "how are you?"

faai3 lok6 is only used when you are wishing someone happy birthday (生日快樂 saang 1 jat 6 faai 3 lok) or happy new year (San Nin Faai Lok). So, the season greetings, congratulations and special events.

Is there a difference with using hoi1 sam1 and faai3 lok6?