hoi1 seng1開聲开声
Jyutpinghoi1 seng1
Yalehōi sēng
Definition
To start speaking, singing, or making sound; to speak up or voice one's opinion.
- to start speaking, singing, or making sound
- to speak up, voice an opinion, point out a problem, or express support
colloquialcommunicationdaily actions
How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of producing sound, this term is frequently used to describe the act of breaking silence to address a specific issue or request help. It implies a transition from passive observation to active participation. When used in a performance context, it specifically refers to a singer or actor beginning their vocal performance.
Examples
The whole room went quiet as soon as he started speaking.
If you have any problems, just speak up and tell me.
Related words
Common phrases
to speak up and ask for help
too shy to speak up
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 講嘢, which is the general act of speaking. 開聲 often carries the nuance of initiating a conversation or voicing an opinion that was previously withheld.
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.
