jyu5 hei3語氣语气
Jyutpingjyu5 hei3
Yaleyúh hei
Definition
Tone of voice; manner of speaking that reflects mood and meaning.
colloquialcommunicationpeople
How it's used
Focus on the emotional weight behind the words rather than just the literal meaning. It is frequently used to call out someone for being rude or aggressive, often paired with verbs like 變 or 轉. When someone tells you 語氣好啲, they are politely asking you to calm down or be more respectful.
Measure word
zung3種jungExamples
Why are you using this tone to talk to me?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 語調, which specifically refers to the pitch or intonation of the voice. 語氣 is broader and encompasses the overall attitude and emotional stance conveyed through word choice and delivery.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
