dak1 baa2 hau2得把口
Jyutpingdak1 baa2 hau2
Yaledāk bá háu
Definition
All talk and no action; boastful and arrogant with nothing to show for it.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on the discrepancy between someone's empty promises and their lack of follow through. It carries a dismissive tone and is often used to warn others not to take someone's claims seriously. It functions as a predicate adjective phrase describing a person's character rather than a specific action.
Examples
He always says he wants to lose weight, but he is all talk.
Don't believe him, he is all talk, where is the action?
Related words
Common phrases
to just talk about it
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 講大話, which specifically means lying or telling a falsehood. 得把口 implies the person might believe what they are saying, but they lack the initiative or ability to execute their plans.
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.
