jam4吟

Jyutpingjam4

Yaleyàhm

動詞Uncommon

Definition

To nag, mutter, or grumble incessantly.

colloquialpeoplecommunication

How it's used

Often used in the reduplicated form 吟吟沉沉 to emphasize the repetitive and annoying nature of the nagging. It specifically describes a low, persistent, and monotonous grumbling rather than a loud argument or shout. It carries a strong sense of irritation from the listener who feels trapped by the constant stream of complaints.

Examples

nei5你m4唔hou2好zoi3再ngam4吟ngo5我laa3喇，hou2好faan4煩aa4呀。

Please stop nagging me, it is so annoying.

keoi5佢jat6日jam4吟je6夜jam4吟，zan1真hai6係teng1聽dou3到ngo5我tau4頭dou1都tung3痛。

He nags all day and night, it really gives me a headache.

Common phrases

jat6日ngam4吟je6夜ngam4吟

nagging all day and night

ngam4吟ngam4吟cam4沉cam4沉

mumbling and nagging persistently

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with the literary meaning of reciting poetry aloud, which is also written as 吟. In daily Cantonese, the meaning is almost exclusively restricted to nagging or complaining.