hau2 bat1 zaak6 jin4口不擇言口不择言

Jyutpinghau2 bat1 zaak6 jin4

Yaleháu bāt jaahk yìhn

語句

Definition

To speak without thinking, blurt out words, or talk indiscreetly.

colloquialpeoplecommunication

How it's used

This idiom describes someone who speaks impulsively without considering the consequences or the feelings of others. It carries a negative connotation, often implying that the person is tactless or prone to saying things they later regret. Unlike simply being talkative, this specifically highlights a lack of filter or restraint in speech.

Examples

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日hau2口bat1不zaak6擇jin4言，gaau2搞dou3到hou2好do1多jan4人m4唔zung1鍾ji3意keoi5佢。

He is always speaking without thinking, which makes many people dislike him.

nei5你gong2講je5嘢ho2可m4唔ho2可ji5以m4唔hou2好gam3咁hau2口bat1不zaak6擇jin4言aa4呀？

Can you please not be so reckless with your words when you speak?

Common phrases

seng4成jat6日hau2口bat1不zaak6擇jin4言

always speaking without thinking

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with 亂講, which is a more general term for speaking nonsense or lying. 口不擇言 specifically emphasizes the lack of selection or caution in one's choice of words, rather than the truthfulness of the content.