gei1嘰叽
Jyutpinggei1
Yalegēi
Definition
To babble, whisper, or chatter; also used to describe various low-pitched, repetitive sounds.
- to whisper; to babble; to chatter
- to grumble; to complain
colloquialcommunicationdaily actions
How it's used
Often used in the reduplicated form 嘰嘰喳喳 to describe noisy, incessant chatter or birds chirping. When used as a verb for grumbling, it carries a slightly dismissive tone, implying the speaker finds the other person's complaints petty or repetitive. It is rarely used in isolation as a single character in modern speech, usually appearing as part of a compound or with particles.
Examples
He is chattering away, so annoying.
Related words
Common phrases
chattering incessantly
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 吱, which is used for squeaking sounds or high-pitched noises. While both can describe sounds, 嘰 is more associated with human speech or grumbling, whereas 吱 is strictly for mechanical or animal-like squeaks.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
