m4 seng1 m4 seng1唔聲唔聲唔声唔声

Jyutpingm4 seng1 m4 seng1

Yalem̀h sēng m̀h sēng

副詞

Definition

Quietly or silently, without making any noise.

colloquialdaily actionsdescriptions

How it's used

This reduplicated phrase captures the essence of acting stealthily or unexpectedly, often implying that the person is keeping their intentions or actions hidden from others. It is frequently used to describe someone who achieves a goal or makes a move without any prior announcement or fanfare. The tone can range from neutral observation to mild surprise or even slight annoyance at being caught off guard.

Examples

keoi5佢m4唔seng1聲m4唔seng1聲zau6就maai5買zo2咗cang4層lau4樓。

He bought an apartment without saying a word to anyone.

nei5你zou6做me1咩m4唔seng1聲m4唔seng1聲haang4行jap6入lai4嚟aa4呀？

Why did you sneak in without making a sound?

Common phrases

m4唔seng1聲m4唔seng1聲haak3嚇sei2死jan4人

to shock everyone by doing something secretly

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simply being quiet or silent, as it specifically implies a lack of communication or disclosure about one's actions. Using it to describe a person who is naturally soft-spoken is incorrect; it must describe an action that happens without notice.