hit3 hau6 jyu5歇後語歇后语
Jyutpinghit3 hau6 jyu5
Yalehit hauh yúh
Definition
Xiehouyu; a two-part allegorical pun where the first part is spoken and the second part is left to be inferred.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
These expressions function as a form of cultural shorthand where the speaker provides the setup and expects the listener to know the punchline. They often rely on wordplay or puns where the final word sounds like another word with a different meaning. Mastering them requires familiarity with local humor and traditional folk wisdom.
Measure word
geoi3句geuiExamples
Do you know what this pun means?
He always uses puns, making it very hard for me to understand.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to translate the literal meaning of the first half, which completely misses the point. The humor is almost always contained in the second half, which is intentionally left unsaid.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
