bat1 zi1 hou2 siu3 waan4 si6 hou2 nou6不知好笑還是好怒不知好笑还是好怒
Jyutpingbat1 zi1 hou2 siu3 waan4 si6 hou2 nou6
Yalebāt jī hóu siu wàahn sih hóu nouh
Definition
To not know whether to laugh or cry; driving one crazy or unable to decide how to react to something odd.
colloquialemotiondescriptions
How it's used
This expression captures the specific feeling of being dumbfounded by someone's absurdity or incompetence. It is often shortened to 唔知好笑定好怒 in casual speech. It implies the situation is so ridiculous that anger feels futile, yet it is too annoying to be genuinely funny.
Related words
Common phrases
really don't know whether to laugh or get angry
Common mistake
Learners often try to translate this literally word for word, but the phrase is idiomatic and relies on the contrast between the two emotions. Ensure you use the particle 定 to connect the two choices rather than 還是, as 還是 is considered formal or Mandarin-influenced.
Grammar color guide
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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.
