ham2 tau4 maai4 coeng4扻頭埋牆扻头埋墙
Jyutpingham2 tau4 maai4 coeng4
Yalehám tàuh màaih chèuhng
Definition
To bang one's head against a wall to vent frustration, anger, or despair.
colloquialemotiondaily actions
How it's used
This expression is used figuratively to describe extreme frustration or the feeling of being at a complete loss when facing an impossible task. It captures the visceral urge to give up or punish oneself out of pure exasperation. While it can be used literally, it is most frequently heard as a hyperbolic way to vent about work stress or personal annoyance.
Examples
This report is full of mistakes, I really want to bang my head against the wall.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe physical pain or a literal accident, as that would be better expressed using 撞頭. This phrase is strictly for emotional frustration.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
