hau2 man5口吻
Jyutpinghau2 man5
Yaleháu máhn
Definition
Tone of voice; manner of speaking.
neutralcommunicationpeople
How it's used
Refers specifically to the underlying attitude or emotional coloring conveyed through speech rather than just the volume or pitch. It is frequently used to critique someone for being condescending, sarcastic, or overly formal. Unlike general words for tone, this carries a slightly analytical nuance, often used when someone is trying to decode the speaker's true intentions.
Examples
The tone he uses when speaking sounds very impatient.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe the physical sound of a voice, such as a deep or high-pitched voice, as it strictly pertains to the attitude behind the words.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.



