ceoi1 seoi2吹水
Jyutpingceoi1 seoi2
Yalechēui séui
Definition
To chitchat, gossip, or talk about trivial matters.
colloquialcommunicationpeople
How it's used
This term implies a casual, relaxed atmosphere where the content of the conversation is often trivial or aimless. It is frequently used to describe spending time with friends or colleagues without a specific agenda. While it can mean simple chatting, it sometimes carries a nuance of exaggerating or bragging, similar to the English idiom shooting the breeze.
Examples
We went to the tea restaurant to chitchat.
Are you just gabbing here again?
Related words
Common phrases
to brag without shame
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with formal discussions or serious conversations, as using it in a professional or solemn setting can sound dismissive or disrespectful. It is strictly for informal social 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.
