hung6 toi4 mat6 gaa3哄抬物價哄抬物价
Jyutpinghung6 toi4 mat6 gaa3
Yalehuhng tòih maht ga
Definition
To artificially inflate or drive up prices, especially through speculation or monopolistic behavior.
colloquialmoneywork
How it's used
This term carries a strong negative connotation, implying that the price increase is unethical, predatory, or exploitative. It is frequently used in news reports or formal complaints regarding businesses that take advantage of shortages or emergencies. While it sounds slightly more formal than everyday slang, it is widely understood and used in serious discussions about consumer rights.
Examples
This shop is always hiking up prices, it's truly outrageous.
Are they trying to profit from a crisis by hiking up prices?
Related words
Common phrases
maliciously hike up prices
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a neutral way to say 'raise prices' like 加價. Using this term implies you are accusing the seller of dishonest or illegal business practices, so it should not be used for normal, justified price adjustments.
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.
