maa6罵骂
Jyutpingmaa6
Yalemah
Definition
To scold, blame, or reprimand.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
Use 鬧 in almost every situation where you would scold or reprimand someone in Cantonese. 罵 is the formal, written character that appears in literature or formal news reports, but it is rarely used in spoken speech. If you say 罵 out loud, it sounds like you are reading a book or trying to sound overly dramatic.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use 罵 in daily conversation as it sounds unnatural and stiff. Stick to 鬧 for all spoken contexts.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
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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.
