giu3 maai6叫賣叫卖
Jyutpinggiu3 maai6
Yalegiu maaih
Definition
To hawk; to solicit customers or promote a product by shouting.
colloquialworkshopping
How it's used
Focuses on the act of using one's voice to attract attention in a marketplace setting. While it can describe professional hawkers, it is also frequently used to describe the lively, noisy atmosphere of traditional markets or fairs where vendors compete for attention. It carries a sense of high energy and volume, distinguishing it from more passive forms of advertising.
Examples
That hawker is shouting to sell fruit on the street.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simple shouting or yelling at someone, which would be 嗌. This specifically refers to the commercial context of trying to sell something to passersby.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
