faa1 jin4 haau2 jyu5花言巧語花言巧语
Jyutpingfaa1 jin4 haau2 jyu5
Yalefā yìhn háau yúh
Definition
Sweet but insincere words; flattering or honeyed talk meant to please someone.
colloquialcommunicationpeople
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong negative connotation, implying that the speaker is being manipulative or dishonest to achieve a personal goal. It is frequently used to describe someone who is trying to deceive or flatter another person for romantic or financial gain. Unlike simple compliments, it suggests a lack of sincerity and a calculated intent behind the words.
Examples
He is always using sweet talk, please do not believe him.
After hearing his honeyed words, do you feel happy?
Related words
Common phrases
to use honeyed words
to fall for sweet talk
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a positive term meaning romantic or sweet talk, but it is almost exclusively used to criticize someone for being insincere or untrustworthy.
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.
