hoi1 fo2開火开火
Jyutpinghoi1 fo2
Yalehōi fó
Definition
To open fire with weapons such as guns or artillery.
colloquialothercommunication
How it's used
Beyond the literal military sense, this term is frequently used metaphorically in arguments or heated disputes to describe someone starting a verbal assault. It carries a sense of suddenness and aggression, implying that a conflict has escalated from tension to direct confrontation. It is rarely used in casual, friendly contexts unless the speaker is being intentionally dramatic or humorous.
Examples
They opened fire as soon as they saw someone.
The commander hasn't given the order yet, who gave you permission to fire?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with cooking or starting a stove, which is also written as 開火 in some regions but is not the standard way to describe that action in Hong Kong Cantonese; locals would typically use 開爐 instead.
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.
