geng1 nei5 jau5 ngaa4 aa4驚你有牙呀惊你有牙呀
Jyutpinggeng1 nei5 jau5 ngaa4 aa4
Yalegēng néih yáuh ngàh àh
Definition
Sarcastic expression meaning "as if I'm afraid of you", used to show complete lack of fear.
colloquialpeopleslang
How it's used
This phrase is a classic example of Cantonese sarcasm where the literal meaning is inverted to express defiance. The inclusion of 牙 refers to the biting power of an animal, implying that the person being addressed is toothless and therefore harmless. It is almost exclusively used when someone is making empty threats or trying to intimidate the speaker.
Examples
You say you'll find someone to beat me up? I'm so scared of you!
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this in a serious or formal situation, as it is highly provocative and dismissive. It is meant to belittle the other person's authority or physical threat, which will likely escalate a conflict rather than resolve it.
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.
