hai2 mun4 gok3 lok1 tau2 siu1 paau3 zoeng2喺門角落頭燒炮仗喺门角落头烧炮仗
Definition
To only hear someone's voice or a sound but not see the person.
How it's used
This is a vivid, idiomatic expression used to describe someone who is making their presence known through sound or comments without revealing their physical location or identity. It is often used in situations where someone is shouting, complaining, or making snide remarks from behind a screen or a hidden spot. The imagery of firecrackers, which are loud and startling but often obscured by smoke or distance, perfectly captures the feeling of being annoyed by an invisible source of noise.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase to describe someone who is simply quiet or shy. It specifically implies that the person is actively creating a disturbance or drawing attention to themselves while remaining hidden.
Grammar color guide
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.
