caak1咤

Jyutpingcaak1

Yalechāak

Rare

Definition

To rebuke or scold angrily.

colloquialpeoplecommunication

How it's used

This word specifically describes a sharp, loud, and sudden verbal reprimand. It carries a sense of harshness that implies the speaker is losing their temper or asserting authority aggressively. It is most commonly used when an elder or superior scolds someone younger or lower in status.

Examples

keoi5佢zou6做co3錯si6事bei2俾aa3阿maa5媽caak1咤zo2咗jat1一caan1餐。

He was rebuked by his mother for doing something wrong.

nei5你m4唔hou2好seng4成jat6日caak1咤di1啲sai3細lou6路laa1啦。

Don't keep rebuking the children all the time.

Common phrases

caak1咤zo2咗jat1一caan1餐

gave a good scolding

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with general verbs for scolding like 鬧. Unlike 鬧 which is a broad term for arguing or criticizing, 咤 emphasizes the sudden, sharp, and often intimidating nature of the outburst.