kwaa1侉

Jyutpingkwaa1

Yalekwā

Definition

Having a non-local accent, or speaking with an affected or exaggerated tone.

having a non-local or regional accent
literaryexaggerated; boastful; affected

colloquialpeopledescriptions

How it's used

Primarily used to describe a non native accent that sounds awkward or unnatural, often implying the speaker is trying too hard to sound local but failing. It can also describe behavior or speech that feels overly dramatic, affected, or pretentious. It carries a slightly critical or teasing tone, suggesting the person is not being authentic.

Examples

keoi5佢gong2講gwong2廣dung1東waa2話jau5有di1啲kwaa1侉。

His Cantonese has a bit of a foreign accent.

nei5你zou6做me1咩gong2講je5嘢gam3咁kwaa1侉aa4呀？

Why are you speaking in such an exaggerated way?

Common phrases

gong2講je5嘢kwaa1侉

to speak with an affected or foreign accent

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a general term for any accent, but it specifically implies a negative or 'off' quality. Do not use it to describe a standard or pleasant accent, as it suggests the speech sounds clumsy or forced.