cyun4 sing1 tung2傳聲筒传声筒

Jyutpingcyun4 sing1 tung2

Yalechyùhn sīng túng

名詞

Definition

The speaker or receiver of an old telephone; a paper-cup phone, or figuratively a mouthpiece.

the speaker or receiver of an old-fashioned telephone
a toy paper-cup phone
figurativea mouthpiece; someone who merely relays messages for another party

colloquialpeoplecommunication

How it's used

While the literal meaning refers to the receiver part of an old-fashioned telephone, it is almost exclusively used metaphorically in modern speech. It carries a negative connotation, implying that the person is merely a passive vessel for someone else's agenda. It is frequently used in office or political contexts to criticize someone for lacking independent thought or authority.

Measure word

go3個go

Examples

keoi5佢zi2只hai6係lou5老baan2闆ge3嘅cyun4傳sing1聲tung2筒，mou5冇zi6自gei2己ji3意gin3見㗎。

He is just the boss's mouthpiece, he has no opinions of his own.

nei5你m4唔hou2好zou6做cyun4傳sing1聲tung2筒，jau5有me1咩zik6直zip3接tung4同keoi5佢gong2講laa1啦。

Don't act as a messenger, just tell him directly if you have anything to say.

Common phrases

zou6做cyun4傳sing1聲tung2筒

to act as a mouthpiece

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a neutral word for messenger or translator. Using it to describe someone who is simply relaying information in a professional or helpful capacity can sound insulting, as it implies they are a puppet.