What Languages Do They Speak In Hong Kong?

Explore the languages spoken in Hong Kong on an interactive map.

Hong Kong Languages: Quick FactsHong Kong flag

Languages

2

Cantonese, English

Population

7,413,000

Cost of living

~ $3350

Index: 67

Safety / crime index

High

Crime Index: 21.7

Language Spoken in Hong Kong Percentage

LanguagePercentagePopulation
CantoneseOfficial
85.4%6,330,702
EnglishOfficial
4.5%333,585

Do They Speak English in Hong Kong?

English proficiency

High

Ranked #31 on the EF English Proficiency Index.

In short

In major cities and tourist hubs across Hong Kong, English is commonly understood and usually enough for travel and business basics. In more local settings, some Cantonese is recommended.

FAQ

Hong Kong Language FAQ

Short answers to common questions about the main languages, English usage, and communication in Hong Kong.

  • People in Hong Kong speak Cantonese, English.

    Cantonese is the most widely spoken language.

  • Cantonese is spoken by about 85.4% of the population in Hong Kong.

    That corresponds to roughly 6,330,702 people.

  • Usually yes in cities, offices, hotels, and tourism-heavy areas. For more local situations, some Cantonese will make things easier.

What languages do they speak in Hong Kong?

People in Hong Kong speak Cantonese, English.

Cantonese is the most widely spoken language.

How widely spoken is Cantonese in Hong Kong?

Cantonese is spoken by about 85.4% of the population in Hong Kong.

That corresponds to roughly 6,330,702 people.

Can you get by with English in Hong Kong?

Usually yes in cities, offices, hotels, and tourism-heavy areas. For more local situations, some Cantonese will make things easier.

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