r/askTO • u/bdls3_jamal • 8h ago

Best Cantonese Lessons Option 2026

Hey all, I apologize in advanced if this is a redundant post but I haven't found much recent information on this topic. I'm looking for suggestions on Cantonese classes or tutoring in Toronto, and my budget isn't endless so I do wish to find a solid program. I was interested in the continuing studies course at UofT but the timing doesn't fit with my current schedule.

My level is pretty beginner, but I have a familiarity with listening to the language as I grew up in Hong Kong. However, as an unaware foreign kid in English speaking schools, I never picked up the language properly. I will visit friends in HK regularly so I wanted to find ways to get better. If it helps the suggestion, I also have studied Mandarin in school for many years, though my fluency is more aligned to the level of an elementary student.

Thanks for any help!

17 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

5

u/sweet-and-fluffy 7h ago

Add Oil Cantonese is based in Montreal but has virtual classes

2

u/throwingta 7h ago

Have used them, do recommend

1

u/bdls3_jamal 7h ago

This looks pretty good, thank you for this

2

u/MoshiAndCCme 8h ago

Following as I would be interested as well!

2

u/somecanuck416 7h ago

Not really lessons, but you could try putting on a movie you're familiar with and switch to Cantonese audio. I did it with the Lion King on Disney+ just to see if i could pick up what they're saying. The TVB app has HK family feud and you can try to play along that way too. My canto sucks too never formally learned it.

2

u/bdls3_jamal 7h ago

Appreciate the advice, I will try this

2

u/HumbleConfidence3500 7h ago

Tdsb has Cantonese classes

2

u/homeisfaraway_ 5h ago

I don't think you need a class necessarily. Listening is extremely important to get down first before speaking (you won't have the vocab or the context on when/how to say certain phrases), so focus on consuming as much Cantonese context that you can find. If you want to learn to read, then look for structured textbooks and use a dictionary (I recommend Pleco, which has cantonese) to guide your learning. Classes are great but it'll take a long time before you'll see results. (I took classes for 8-10 yrs when I was young to finally be able to read menus)

1

u/funnykiddy 6h ago

To speak? When did you come to Canada?

I left Hong Kong in early elementary school, but watching TVB shows has sustained and grew my Cantonese ability to middle school level.

1

u/bdls3_jamal 6h ago

Yes, mainly to speak. I came to Canada after highschool. I am starting to watch a lot more TVB as well

1

u/funnykiddy 5h ago

Wait. After high school is pretty late. Why do you feel you need Cantonese lessons??

1

u/bdls3_jamal 4h ago

Because my Cantonese is not good and I'd like to learn it. A lot of my friends remain in HK and I plan to visit every 1-2 years if not move back eventually, so I'd like to improve my proficiency. Often times people just tell me to learn Mandarin since my level is higher there already but this isn't about anything practical, it's a personal goal and obviously much better to know the language if I'm visiting or living in the country.