ji4 ji1 o4 o4咿咿哦哦
Jyutpingji4 ji1 o4 o4
Yaleyìh yī òh òh
Definition
To mumble, nag, or keep talking about trivial and irrelevant matters.
colloquialcommunicationdescriptions
How it's used
This phrase captures the sound of someone speaking in a low, indistinct, or repetitive manner that is annoying to the listener. It is often used to describe someone who is complaining under their breath or failing to articulate a clear point. The reduplication of characters mimics the droning, monotonous quality of the speech being described.
Examples
Why are you mumbling on and on? Get to the point.
He is just rambling away, I have no idea what he wants.
Related words
Common phrases
mumbling on and on without stopping
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 吱吱喳喳, which specifically refers to high-pitched, bird-like chatter or gossip. 咿咿哦哦 implies a lack of clarity or a sense of aimless grumbling rather than just being talkative.
Grammar color guide
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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.
