aau3 geng2詏頸詏颈
Jyutpingaau3 geng2
Yaleaau géng
Definition
To argue, bicker, or obstinately disagree with someone.
colloquialcommunicationpeople
How it's used
Literally referring to the physical act of straining one's neck during a heated disagreement, this term captures the stubborn, face-to-face nature of a petty argument. It is almost exclusively used for unproductive, repetitive bickering rather than formal debates or serious discussions. Use it when you want to emphasize that the conflict is unnecessary or driven by ego.
Examples
It is pointless to argue over such trivial matters.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a formal debate or a professional disagreement, as it carries a strong connotation of being childish or unreasonable. It is specifically for personal, often trivial, verbal confrontations.
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.
