heoi1噓嘘
Jyutpingheoi1
Yalehēui
Definition
An exclamation used to silence or drive away someone; hush or shh.
colloquialcommunicationdaily actions
How it's used
Beyond its function as a command for silence, this sound is frequently used to express strong disapproval or to boo someone off a stage. When used to demand quiet, it is often paired with a finger-to-lips gesture. It carries a sharp, abrupt tone that can sound quite rude if used toward someone you do not know well.
Examples
Hush! Keep your voice down, don't disturb others.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the sound used to call someone over, which is a whistle. Using this to get someone's attention will likely be interpreted as an attempt to silence them or an act of hostility.
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.
