Is it true that people who speak mandarin Chinese cannot understad cantonese Chinese?

It's not true that people who speak Mandarin Chinese cannot understand Cantonese Chinese. It's more accurate to say that they often find it difficult to understand.

Here's why:

* Different dialects: Mandarin and Cantonese are two distinct dialects of Chinese, much like American and British English. While they share a common written system, their spoken forms have significant differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.

* Tonal differences: Both languages rely heavily on tones, but the tones in Mandarin and Cantonese are different, leading to confusion.

* Vocabulary variations: While many words are similar, there are notable differences in vocabulary, especially for everyday expressions and slang.

* Grammar distinctions: Mandarin and Cantonese have slightly different grammatical structures, although the differences are less pronounced than in pronunciation and vocabulary.

However, it's important to note:

* Mutual intelligibility: Mandarin and Cantonese speakers can sometimes understand each other, especially if they are exposed to the other dialect or have a good grasp of the differences.

* Varying levels of understanding: Some Mandarin speakers might be able to understand basic Cantonese, while others might struggle to grasp even simple phrases.

In conclusion, while Mandarin and Cantonese speakers may not fully understand each other, it's not an absolute barrier to communication. With effort and exposure, they can gradually learn to comprehend each other.