maak3 daai6 hau2 dak1 go3 lung1擘大口得個窿掰大口得个窿
Jyutpingmaak3 daai6 hau2 dak1 go3 lung1
Yalemaak daaih háu dāk go lūng
Definition
To be tongue-tied, dumbfounded, or speechless with mouth agape due to shock, amazement, or nervousness.
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
This idiom vividly describes a state of being so stunned or overwhelmed that one physically cannot produce speech. It focuses on the visual image of an open mouth that serves no function, emphasizing the paralysis of the speaker rather than just their silence. It is frequently used in storytelling or when describing someone's reaction to an unexpected event.
Examples
Seeing the idol standing right in front, they were completely tongue-tied.
Related words
Common phrases
so shocked that one is left speechless
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply quiet or shy. It specifically implies a momentary loss of composure due to a sudden external shock or intense surprise.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
