diu6 tau4調頭调头
Jyutpingdiu6 tau4
Yalediuh tàuh
Definition
Tone of voice.
colloquialcommunicationdescriptions
How it's used
Refers specifically to the inflection or emotional quality conveyed through speech rather than the literal pitch of a musical note. It is frequently used to comment on someone's attitude or hidden intentions behind their words. When someone sounds sarcastic or aggressive, you can point out that their調頭 is problematic.
Examples
The tone of your voice sounds really impatient.
His tone is so strange, is he hiding something from me?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 語氣, which is the more standard and versatile term for tone of voice. While 調頭 is understood, it is more colloquial and sometimes carries a slightly more critical or judgmental nuance.
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.
