ho1訶诃
Jyutpingho1
Yalehō
Definition
To scold, berate, or lecture someone.
writtencommunicationpeople
How it's used
This term is formal and literary in origin, often appearing in written texts or formal speech rather than casual conversation. In everyday Cantonese, people overwhelmingly prefer using 鬧 or 責備 to express the act of scolding. Using this word in a casual setting can make you sound overly dramatic or like you are quoting a classical text.
Examples
He is always scolding people, it is so annoying.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 呵, which is a common particle or a sound used to express laughter or gentle blowing. Learners often mistake the written form for the more common spoken words, leading to confusion in text-based communication.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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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.
