kiu2 hau2繑口
Jyutpingkiu2 hau2
Yalekíu háu
Definition
Hard to pronounce, tongue-tying, or difficult to say smoothly.
colloquialdescriptionscommunication
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the physical difficulty of articulating a sequence of sounds, often due to awkward consonant clusters or repetitive syllables. It is frequently used when discussing foreign names, complex technical jargon, or intentionally tricky tongue twisters. Unlike general terms for difficulty, it highlights the mechanical struggle of the tongue and lips.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
very difficult to pronounce
stumbling over one's words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 難讀, which can imply that a word is obscure or that its pronunciation is unknown. 繑口 strictly refers to the physical act of speaking being awkward or prone to slips, even if you know exactly how the word is supposed to sound.
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.
