Country ISO code: HK
Official languages: Chinese (primarily Cantonese spoken) and English
Language ISO codes: zh (Chinese), en (English)
Current official currency: Hong Kong Dollar
Current currency ISO code: HKD

Official Languages and Language Status in Hong Kong

Official Languages

• Hong Kong has two official languages: Chinese and English, both with equal legal status according to the Official Languages Ordinance (1974) and Article 9 of the Basic Law of Hong Kong.

• The term "Chinese" in law does not specify a spoken dialect, but in practice, Cantonese is the predominant spoken language by the majority of the population and is considered the spoken form of "Chinese" in Hong Kong.

• English is widely used in government, business, education, and the legal system, reflecting Hong Kong’s British colonial heritage.

Language Policy: "Two Scripts, Three Spoken Languages"

• The government promotes the "Two Scripts, Three Spoken Languages" policy:

  • Two scripts: Chinese (mainly Traditional Chinese characters) and English

  • Three spoken languages: Cantonese, English, and Mandarin (Putonghua)

• Official events and legislative meetings provide simultaneous interpretation in Cantonese, English, and Mandarin.

Use of Cantonese

• Cantonese is the mother tongue of over 90% of Hong Kong residents and the primary language used daily, in media, and cultural activities.

• Although not explicitly mentioned in law, Cantonese is recognized by courts and government bodies as the spoken form of official Chinese.

Use of Mandarin

• Mandarin is promoted as the third spoken language, especially in education and communication with Mainland China, but it is not an official language and is less commonly used in everyday life.

Writing System

• Official Chinese writing uses Traditional Chinese characters, predominant in official documents, media, and education.

• English is used alongside Chinese in official documents and government communication.

This report summarizes Hong Kong’s official language framework, highlighting the legal coexistence of Chinese (with Cantonese as the dominant spoken form) and English, alongside the policy including Mandarin as a third spoken language, reflecting the territory’s linguistic and cultural diversity.