hau2 coi4口才
Jyutpinghau2 coi4
Yaleháu chòih
Definition
Eloquence; speaking skills and the ability to persuade others.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the ability to persuade or impress others through speech rather than just the ability to speak fluently. It is frequently used to describe people in professions like sales, law, or politics where verbal influence is a key asset. When someone is described as having good口才, it implies they are quick-witted and can handle difficult questions with ease.
Examples
He is usually so eloquent, why is he not saying anything today?
For a salesperson, being eloquent is the most important thing to persuade customers.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 口水, which refers to saliva or excessive, meaningless chatter. While口才 is a positive trait, having too much 口水 is usually seen as annoying or unproductive.
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.
