bok3 zeoi2 bok3 sit6駁咀駁舌驳咀驳舌
Jyutpingbok3 zeoi2 bok3 sit6
Yalebok jéui bok siht
Definition
To talk back, argue, or speak defiantly to elders or superiors.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
Describes a specific, defiant attitude where someone refuses to accept criticism or instructions by immediately offering a counter-argument. It implies a lack of respect for authority or hierarchy, often used by parents or teachers when addressing children or subordinates. The repetition of the structure emphasizes the persistent and annoying nature of the back-talking.
Examples
Children shouldn't talk back to adults.
Related words
Common phrases
always talking back
not allowed to talk back
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a normal debate or a professional disagreement. It carries a strong negative connotation of being impolite or insubordinate, so it is inappropriate in formal or respectful contexts.
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.
