hau2 aa2口啞口哑
Jyutpinghau2 aa2
Yaleháu á
Definition
Speechless; left without words or unable to respond.
colloquialemotioncommunication
How it's used
Often used in the reduplicated form 口啞啞 to emphasize the state of being completely unable to respond. It carries a sense of being caught off guard or having no logical defense against an accusation or a difficult question. Unlike formal terms for being speechless, this expression highlights the immediate, awkward silence that follows a verbal trap.
Examples
I was left speechless by their question and really didn't know how to answer.
Related words
Common phrases
to be stumped by a question
to be rendered speechless by one's own lack of argument
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with being physically unable to speak due to illness or injury. It is strictly used for social situations where one has run out of arguments or is stunned into silence.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
