aa1 maa3吖嗎吖吗
Jyutpingaa1 maa3
Yaleā ma
Definition
A final particle used to express surprise, doubt, or a reminder of something obvious.
colloquialparticlecommunication
How it's used
This sentence-final particle combination expresses a mix of surprise, disbelief, or a rhetorical reminder that something should have been obvious. It often carries a slightly argumentative or impatient tone, as if the speaker is questioning why the listener failed to grasp a point that seems clear to everyone else. It functions similarly to adding a tag question that implies the listener is being dense.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 呀嘛, which is used to remind someone of a fact they should already know. While 吖嗎 is more about expressing personal surprise or challenging a situation, 呀嘛 is more neutral and serves as a gentle nudge or reminder.
Grammar color guide
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Adverb
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
