hok6 sit6學舌学舌
Jyutpinghok6 sit6
Yalehohk siht
Definition
To mimic or parrot what others say.
colloquialanimalspeople
How it's used
Beyond describing birds, this is frequently used as a mild insult for people who parrot others without having their own opinions. It carries a slightly mocking tone when applied to humans, implying the person is mindless or unoriginal. It is distinct from repeating something for clarity, as it specifically highlights the lack of independent thought.
Examples
That parrot really likes to mimic speech.
Related words
Common phrases
parrot mimicking speech
Common mistake
Do not use this to mean learning a language, as that would be 學語文 or 學講嘢. It is strictly for the act of mimicking sounds or words.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
