co3 ngok6錯愕错愕
Jyutpingco3 ngok6
Yalecho ngohk
Definition
To be surprised, taken aback, or dumbstruck, being temporarily unable to react.
neutralemotiondescriptions
How it's used
Describes a momentary state of being stunned or caught off guard, often implying a brief paralysis of thought. It carries a slightly more formal or literary weight compared to everyday expressions like 嚇親 or 呆咗, making it common in news reports or written narratives. When used in speech, it often suggests a reaction to something unexpected or socially awkward.
Examples
He was completely taken aback after hearing the news.
Why do you look so dumbstruck? Did I scare you?
Related words
Common phrases
with a look of shock on one's face
to feel taken aback
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe simple surprise or excitement. It specifically implies a reaction to something that causes confusion or a temporary inability to respond, rather than just being happy or shocked by a pleasant event.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
