fong1 waa6謊話谎话
Jyutpingfong1 waa6
Yalefōng wah
Definition
A lie; an untruthful statement.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
大話 is the standard, everyday term for a lie in Cantonese, whereas 謊話 is considered formal or literary. Using 謊話 in casual conversation can sound stiff or overly dramatic, as if you are reading from a script. Most native speakers will exclusively use 大話 in daily life.
Measure word
geoi3句geuiRelated words
Common mistake
Learners often try to use 謊話 because it looks more like the Mandarin word 謊話, but it sounds unnatural in spoken Cantonese. Always stick to 大話 to sound like a local.
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.
