gap1 hau2 ling6急口令
Jyutpinggap1 hau2 ling6
Yalegāp háu lihng
Definition
Tongue twister.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
Focuses on the challenge of articulation rather than just speed. While it is a language game, it is often used to tease friends who struggle with specific sounds or to test someone's proficiency in Cantonese phonology. The term is widely understood across all age groups in Hong Kong.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Related words
Common phrases
to say a tongue-twister
to play tongue-twisters
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general fast talking. Remember that it specifically refers to a set phrase or sentence designed to be difficult to pronounce, not just the act of speaking quickly.
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.
