Can Cantonese Speakers Read Simplified Chinese?

Although the Chinese spoken in Hong Kong is Cantonese, they write in the same way as in standard Chinese

(Mandarin), albeit in traditional (and not simplified) characters. When it is read aloud, however, the pronunciation is Cantonese, so it can only be understood by someone familiar with Cantonese.

Is Cantonese the same as simplified Chinese?

Cantonese and Mandarin are written in the same way, though Cantonese favors traditional Chinese characters rather than simplified. Mandarin has 4 tones. Cantonese has 9. Spoken Mandarin and Cantonese are not mutually intelligible.

Can Chinese read Cantonese?

All literate Chinese people can read and write in Mandarin, even if they do not speak it. It is common in Hong Kong to be able to read and write in Mandarin but, when reading aloud, use Cantonese pronunciations. Mandarin is the only standard written form of Chinese, after all.