haak3 fu2嚇唬吓唬
Jyutpinghaak3 fu2
Yalehaak fú
Definition
To scare, frighten, or bluff someone.
neutralemotionpeople
How it's used
While 嚇唬 is understood in Hong Kong, it is heavily influenced by Mandarin and feels quite formal or literary in a Cantonese context. Locals overwhelmingly prefer using 嚇 to convey the meaning of scaring or bluffing someone. Using 嚇唬 in casual conversation might make you sound like you are reading from a script or a textbook.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use 嚇唬 when they mean to say someone is being a bully or acting tough, but it specifically focuses on the act of causing fear or bluffing. If you want to describe someone who is just being aggressive or pushy, 蝦人 is a more natural choice.
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.
