ceoi1 ngau4吹牛
Jyutpingceoi1 ngau4
Yalechēui ngàuh
Definition
To brag, boast, or exaggerate.
colloquialcommunicationpeople
How it's used
吹牛 is a common term for boasting, but it carries a slightly informal and dismissive tone. It implies that the speaker is exaggerating or making things up to sound more impressive than they actually are. While widely understood, it is often used in casual settings to call out someone who is full of hot air.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
to talk big
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 吹水, which simply means chatting or shooting the breeze. Unlike 吹牛, 吹水 is usually harmless and does not necessarily imply lying or bragging.
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.
