aa3 bang1 giu3 gau2阿崩叫狗啊崩叫狗
Jyutpingaa3 bang1 giu3 gau2
Yalea bāng giu gáu
Definition
The first part of a two-part pun (歇後語), followed by "the more one calls, the further it runs".
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
This is a classic Cantonese two part allegorical saying, where the first part implies the second part, which is 越叫越走. It describes a situation where someone keeps trying to persuade or call someone else, but their efforts only cause the other person to distance themselves further. The imagery is specific to the difficulty of articulation associated with a harelip, making the dog flee rather than approach.
Examples
The way he talks is just like a harelip calling a dog.
It is useless for you to keep talking, it is just like a harelip calling a dog.
Related words
Common phrases
The harelip calls the dog, the more he calls the further it runs.
Common mistake
Learners often forget that the second half of the phrase is implied rather than spoken. Using the full phrase is considered redundant and unnatural in casual conversation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
