lap1 seng1 m4 ceot1粒聲唔出粒声唔出
Jyutpinglap1 seng1 m4 ceot1
Yalelāp sēng m̀h chēut
Definition
To be completely silent, not uttering a single sound.
colloquialcommunicationpeople
How it's used
This idiom uses 粒 as a measure word for a tiny sound, emphasizing that not even the smallest noise is made. It carries a nuance of stubbornness or deliberate avoidance of communication, rather than just being quiet by nature. It is frequently used when someone is expected to speak up but chooses to remain mute.
Examples
He was silent all night, I wonder what he was thinking about.
Related words
Common phrases
in a silent manner
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal description of being physically unable to speak. It is specifically used for people who are choosing to stay silent in a situation where they should or could be talking.
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.
