aa3 lung4 sung3 ban3阿聾送殯啊聋送殡
Jyutpingaa3 lung4 sung3 ban3
Yalea lùhng sung ban
Definition
To turn a deaf ear to others, refusing to listen or take advice and doing things entirely in one's own way.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
This idiom vividly describes someone who is completely unresponsive to external input, as if they were a deaf person at a funeral who cannot hear the chanting or instructions. It carries a strong sense of frustration from the speaker, implying that the person is not just ignoring advice but is actively stubborn or willfully ignorant. It is almost exclusively used to criticize someone's refusal to listen to reason.
Examples
I have advised him many times, but he just turns a deaf ear to everything.
If you keep ignoring advice like this, you will get into trouble sooner or later.
Related words
Common phrases
completely turning a deaf ear
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase to describe someone who is physically hard of hearing, as that would be highly offensive. It is strictly a metaphorical expression for stubbornness and willful disregard for others' opinions.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
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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.
