hau2 maak3 maak3口擘擘口掰掰
Jyutpinghau2 maak3 maak3
Yaleháu maak maak
Definition
Panting; to have one's mouth keeping opening and closing.
colloquialbodydescriptions
How it's used
This reduplicated adjective describes the physical state of having one's mouth hanging open, often due to exhaustion or surprise. It captures a sense of being dazed or physically winded, making it more vivid than simply saying someone is tired. You will frequently hear it used to describe someone who is so shocked that they are left speechless.
Examples
He was panting with his mouth wide open after running.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with describing someone who is talking too much, as it specifically refers to the physical shape of the mouth being agape rather than the act of speaking.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
