haai4 haai2 seng1嚡嚡聲嚡嚡声
Jyutpinghaai4 haai2 seng1
Yalehàaih háai sēng
Definition
Sighing sound.
colloquialemotioncommunication
How it's used
Describes the specific rough or grating sound produced when someone exhales heavily in frustration or disappointment. It captures the texture of the breath rather than just the act of sighing itself. Use this to emphasize the audible, slightly harsh quality of the person's reaction.
Examples
After hearing the news, he let out a sighing sound.
Related words
Common phrases
to sigh with a rough, audible sound
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the adjective 嚡, which describes a rough or coarse physical texture like sandpaper or poorly cooked rice. While they share the same character, the reduplicated form with 聲 specifically refers to the sound of a sigh.
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.
