m4 seng1唔聲唔声
Jyutpingm4 seng1
Yalem̀h sēng
Definition
To do things secretly or quietly, without making a sound or telling anyone.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This expression is almost always used in the reduplicated form 唔聲唔聲 to describe someone who acts silently or without drawing attention to themselves. It carries a nuance of surprise, often implying that the person's quiet behavior hides a hidden talent or an unexpected action. It is frequently used to describe a 'dark horse' who achieves something significant without making any noise beforehand.
Examples
He usually keeps to himself, who knew he was so talented.
You do things so quietly, you scared me.
Related words
Common phrases
quietly and unexpectedly
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being quiet or shy. It specifically implies a contrast between silence and an eventual, often surprising, outcome or action.
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.
