hoeng2響响
Jyutpinghoeng2
Yalehéung
Definition
To ring, buzz, or make an alert sound.
colloquialdaily actionstechnology
How it's used
Beyond its literal meaning for devices, this word is frequently used to describe a sharp or sudden sound, such as a gunshot or a loud clap. It implies a sudden onset of noise that demands attention. When referring to a phone call specifically, it is often paired with the particle 喎 to signal that the speaker has just noticed the sound.
Examples
The phone has been ringing for a long time, aren't you going to answer it?
As soon as the alarm rings, I get up immediately.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the preposition 喺, which is written with the same character in some contexts but functions as a location marker. Ensure you are using it as a verb for sound, not as a marker for where something is located.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
