jik1 joeng4 deon6 co3抑揚頓挫抑扬顿挫
Jyutpingjik1 joeng4 deon6 co3
Yaleyīk yèuhng deuhn cho
Definition
Cadence, modulation, and variation in pitch, volume, and pauses in verbal expression or speech.
neutralcommunicationdescriptions
How it's used
This term is primarily used to describe the musicality and emotional range in someone's voice during public speaking, storytelling, or reading aloud. It implies a deliberate and skillful control of pitch and pacing rather than just a natural speaking style. While it sounds formal, it is frequently used in educational settings or when critiquing a performance.
Examples
They speak with great intonation and rhythm, making it very pleasant to listen to.
Could you please add some variation in tone and rhythm when reading this passage?
Related words
Common phrases
lacking variation in tone and rhythm
highly expressive in tone and rhythm
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general term for speaking clearly, but it specifically refers to the melodic rise and fall of the voice. It is not used to describe the clarity of pronunciation or the choice of vocabulary.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
