Does the Majority of People in Hong Kong Speak English?

If you’re moving to Hong Kong, visiting, or planning to work here, one big question comes up: Do most people speak English?

The short answer? Not really. While English is one of Hong Kong’s official languages, only a minority of the population speaks it fluently in daily life.

According to the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department, about 53% of people in Hong Kong have some level of English proficiency, but only 4.5% speak it as their main language at home. In business and professional settings, English is widely used, but on the streets, in local shops, and among the general population, Cantonese is dominant.

So, if you’re planning to live, work, or study in Hong Kong, how much English do you need? And where can you get by speaking only English? Let’s break it down.

The Reality in 2025

English has been an official language in Hong Kong since the colonial era, alongside Cantonese. While the government, business sector, and schools maintain a strong English presence, the average Hong Kong resident primarily speaks Cantonese.

Here’s the reality:

• Fluent English speakers are mostly professionals, expats, and students in elite schools.
• Most locals prefer Cantonese in daily conversations, even if they understand English.
• Older generations and blue-collar workers have limited English skills.

While young professionals and university students generally have a strong grasp of written English, spoken fluency is less common outside of international circles.

In some parts of Hong Kong, you can easily live and work using English alone. In others, knowing Cantonese is almost essential.

If you’re living in Central, Wan Chai, or Tsim Sha Tsui, you’ll find that English is widely used in business, dining, and daily interactions. These areas are home to expats, luxury shopping centers, and multinational companies.

• Corporate offices: English is the primary language in banking, finance, and international law firms.
• International schools and universities: Institutions like HKU, CUHK, and HKUST use English as the medium of instruction.
• Hotels, tourist spots, and high-end restaurants: Staff in luxury hotels, fine dining, and tourist districts are usually fluent in English.

Step outside the business and expat-heavy areas, and English use drops significantly. In districts like Sham Shui Po, Yuen Long, and Tsuen Wan, most people speak only Cantonese.

• Street markets and local businesses: Vendors at wet markets and mom-and-pop shops rarely speak English.
• Public hospitals and government offices: While forms and signs are in English, staff members often prefer speaking Cantonese.
• Local schools: Many public schools teach in Cantonese, with English being a secondary subject.

In short, English is common in professional and tourist settings but not in everyday life for most locals.

Do You Need to Learn Cantonese?

If you’re staying in Central, working at an international firm, or socializing in expat communities, you can get by with just English. But if you want to live like a local, handle daily life smoothly, or work outside of finance and international business, learning basic Cantonese is a big advantage.

Even simple phrases like ordering food, giving directions, or shopping at a market will make daily interactions easier. Plus, locals appreciate the effort, and it helps you build deeper connections.

For Hongkongers who want to improve their English, or for expats looking to pick up Cantonese, private tutoring is the fastest way to learn.

Platforms like AmazingTalker (補習) offer one-on-one English and Cantonese tutoring with native speakers, helping learners develop real-world communication skills.

If you’re looking for a structured course, whether for business English, conversational fluency, or test prep, check out AmazingTalker’s English courses (英文補習). These lessons are designed for professionals, students, and anyone wanting to communicate more confidently in English.

Final Thoughts

It depends on where you go and what you do.

• If you work in finance, law, or an international firm? English is enough.
• If you live in expat-heavy areas like Central? English will get you through daily life.
• If you want to work with local businesses, government jobs, or live outside the city center? Cantonese is a must.

Hong Kong remains a bilingual city, but Cantonese is the dominant language. English is useful, but it’s not the majority language among locals.

Want to improve your English while living in Hong Kong? Or do you want to learn basic Cantonese for daily life? Platforms like AmazingTalker can help you build confidence with customized one-on-one lessons.

If you’re planning to move to Hong Kong, what’s your experience with English here? Drop your thoughts below!