ciu2 ciu2悄悄
Jyutpingciu2 ciu2
Yalechíu chíu
Definition
Quietly, stealthily, or in a low-profile manner so as not to be noticed.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
Native speakers almost exclusively use 靜雞雞 instead of 悄悄 in daily speech. While 悄悄 is understood as a written or literary term, it sounds unnatural and overly formal in a casual conversation. Using 靜雞雞 adds a sense of secrecy or playfulness that fits the rhythm of Cantonese much better.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use 悄悄 in spoken sentences, which makes them sound like they are reading from a textbook. Stick to 靜雞雞 to sound like a local.
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.
