daa2 ngaa4 gaau3打牙鉸打牙铰
Jyutpingdaa2 ngaa4 gaau3
Yaledá ngàh gaau
Definition
To chat, gossip, or chew the fat.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
This expression vividly captures the image of jaws moving back and forth like a hinge during idle conversation. It implies a relaxed, informal, and often lengthy chat rather than a serious or productive discussion. It is frequently used to describe catching up with friends or gossiping.
Examples
We often chat at the tea house.
Related words
Common phrases
chatted for a long time
Common mistake
Avoid using this in professional or formal settings, as it specifically refers to aimless or casual talk. It is not suitable for describing a business meeting or a serious conversation.
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.
