bat1 ceot1 seng1不出聲不出声
Jyutpingbat1 ceot1 seng1
Yalebāt chēut sēng
Definition
To remain silent; to keep quiet.
colloquialdaily actionscommunication
How it's used
Focuses on the active choice to refrain from speaking, often implying a deliberate withholding of opinion or a reaction to a tense situation. It is frequently used to describe someone who is being uncooperative or sulking rather than just being quiet by nature. Use this instead of the more formal 沉默 to sound natural in daily life.
Related words
Common phrases
remained silent the whole time
pretend to be silent
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 靜, which describes a state of being quiet or peaceful. While 靜 describes an environment or a person's general personality, 不出聲 specifically refers to the act of not speaking in a social interaction.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
