ciu3誚诮
Jyutpingciu3
Yalechiu
Definition
To ridicule, mock, or criticize.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
While this character appears in formal writing, it is often pronounced as a colloquial variant of the sound 'ciu' in spoken Cantonese. It carries a sharper, more biting tone than general words for complaining or criticizing. It specifically implies a sense of mockery or making fun of someone's flaws or actions.
Examples
He is always ridiculing people behind their backs, it is very classless.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 嘲, which is the more common character used in the compound 嘲笑. Using 誚 in casual text messages might look overly formal or archaic to some native speakers, so it is safer to stick to 嘲笑 or 講壞話 in everyday conversation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
