hau2 aa2 aa2口啞啞口哑哑
Jyutpinghau2 aa2 aa2
Yaleháu á á
Definition
To be rendered speechless or reduced to silence, having no ability to reply or argue back.
colloquialdescriptionsemotion
How it's used
This expression specifically captures the feeling of being stunned into silence, often due to embarrassment or a lack of a comeback. It implies a sudden loss of words rather than a permanent state of being quiet. It is frequently used in the structure 俾人問到口啞啞 to emphasize that the silence was forced by an external question or challenge.
Examples
I was rendered speechless by Mom's scolding and didn't dare to talk back.
Related words
Common phrases
to be rendered speechless by someone's questions
to be scolded into silence
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with being physically unable to speak, as it refers strictly to a social or intellectual inability to respond. It is not used for medical conditions or physical throat issues.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
