m4 hoeng2 cyu3唔响處唔响处
Jyutpingm4 hoeng2 cyu3
Yalem̀h héung chyu
Definition
Not here; away; not present.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
This phrase is a contraction of 唔喺呢處, which literally translates to not at this place. It is the standard way to indicate someone or something is absent from a specific location. You will hear it used frequently in casual settings to report that a person has stepped out or is otherwise unavailable.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 唔响處 with 唔喺度. While both are common, 唔喺度 is slightly more versatile and frequently used to mean someone is not present at all, whereas 唔响處 carries a slightly stronger sense of not being at the specific location currently being discussed.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
