gaak3 coeng4 jau5 ji5隔牆有耳隔墙有耳
Jyutpinggaak3 coeng4 jau5 ji5
Yalegaak chèuhng yáuh yíh
Definition
Walls have ears; a warning to beware of eavesdroppers and not talk carelessly.
colloquialcommunicationpeople
How it's used
This idiom serves as a stern warning to maintain discretion in public or semi-private spaces where someone might be listening in. It is often used to stop someone from revealing sensitive information or gossiping in a place where the walls are thin or people are nearby. The phrase carries a sense of immediate caution and is frequently used to prevent potential social or professional repercussions.
Examples
Don't talk too much here, be careful of eavesdroppers.
Do you know that walls have ears? You need to speak more quietly.
Related words
Common phrases
be careful, walls have ears
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.
