aak3呃

Jyutpingaak3

Yaleaak

Very common

Definition

Sentence-final particle used to contradict or deny an assumption or standpoint.

colloquialparticlecommunication

How it's used

This particle functions as a discourse marker to signal hesitation, disagreement, or a shift in the speaker's stance. It often appears at the beginning of a sentence to soften the blow of a contradiction or to buy time while formulating a response. Unlike its homophone meaning to deceive, this usage is purely functional and carries no negative connotation of lying.

Examples

m4唔hai6係aak3呃，ngo5我zan1真hai6係gin3見dou2到keoi5佢zau2走zo2咗。

It's not like that, I really saw him leave.

aak3呃，kei4其sat6實ngo5我m4唔hai6係hou2好soeng2想heoi3去wo5喎。

Well, actually I don't really want to go.

Related words

see alsokei4 sat6其實kèih sathsee alsowo5喎wóh

Common phrases

m4唔hai6係aak3呃

It's not like that

Common mistake

Beginners often confuse this with the verb 呃 meaning to cheat or lie. Context is key: when used as a sentence-initial particle, it serves as a filler or a marker of hesitation rather than an accusation of dishonesty.