gei1 gei1 gat6 gat6嘰嘰趷趷叽叽趷趷
Jyutpinggei1 gei1 gat6 gat6
Yalegēi gēi gaht gaht
Definition
To mumble or grumble continuously in a low voice, often causing annoyance or anger.
colloquialcommunicationemotion
How it's used
This expression carries a strong negative connotation, implying that the speaker is being bothersome, petty, or insincere. It is specifically used for low-volume, continuous speech that is perceived as irritating or complaining. Unlike standard verbs for talking, this term focuses on the annoying quality of the sound rather than the content of the message.
Examples
What are you mumbling about over there?
He is always mumbling behind people's backs, it is so annoying.
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone whispering a secret or speaking softly for a legitimate reason. It is strictly for speech that annoys the listener or suggests the speaker is being cowardly or complaining behind someone's back.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
