bok3 zeoi2駁嘴驳嘴
Jyutpingbok3 zeoi2
Yalebok jéui
Definition
To talk back, argue, or contradict when someone is speaking to you.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
Used primarily to describe a child or subordinate challenging an authority figure, such as a parent or teacher. It carries a strong sense of defiance and is almost always used in a negative context to reprimand someone for being disrespectful. It implies that the person is not just disagreeing, but doing so in a way that is considered rude or insubordinate.
Examples
Children shouldn't talk back, be obedient.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply having a debate or discussion, as 駁嘴 specifically implies a lack of respect for the person being spoken to. It is not used for professional or academic disagreements.
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.
