gwo3 zoeng2過獎过奖
Jyutpinggwo3 zoeng2
Yalegwo jéung
Definition
To flatter or overpraise; used as a polite, humble response to a compliment.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
Humility is a core social value in Cantonese culture, and this phrase serves as the standard polite deflection to any form of praise. It functions as a social lubricant that prevents the speaker from appearing arrogant or conceited. While it literally means the other person has praised too much, it is understood by everyone as a conventional way to say thank you while maintaining modesty.
Examples
You are really overpraising me, I am not that smart.
Thank you for the compliment, but you are really overpraising me.
Related words
Common phrases
You are overpraising me (polite response)
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
