cou3噪
Jyutpingcou3
Yalechou
Definition
Unpleasant, irritating, or annoying noise.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Describes sounds that are specifically irritating or intrusive, rather than just loud. It functions as an adjective in spoken Cantonese, often paired with the particle 呀 to express annoyance. While it can describe machines or construction, it is also frequently used to describe people talking too loudly or shouting.
Examples
The neighbors are doing renovations and it is so noisy.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 嘈, which is the more common verb for making noise. While 噪 is often used as an adjective, 嘈 is the standard choice when describing the act of making noise or a noisy environment.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
